In what has been a typically busy month in Holyrood, with Covid inquiry dramas and ministerial resignations, I have had my eyes closely set on the real problems faced by local residents across North Ayrshire and Arran.

As the MV Caledonian Isles continues to undergo repairs, Arran residents are still relying on a single-vessel service run by the MV Isle of Arran, in order to sustain some semblance of a frequent and reliable ferry service.

Of course, this isn’t helped by the closure of Ardrossan Harbour’s Irish berth, and now of course the popular MV Alfred has been taken off us completely to help other island routes.

Islanders and local businesses who rely on the ferry for their livelihoods deserve a much more reliable service than they are currently receiving.

Dedicated councillors and members of the community - like my colleague, Arran councillor Tim Billings – have been working hard to ensure the Scottish Government takes decisive action to tackle the many issues blighting the route, and I join him in his calls for the Transport Secretary to listen to a wide range of voices on this issue.

We all want a solution to this issue, but we must be prepared to work together to achieve it.

I was also disappointed by recent news that the opening of Ayrshire’s much-needed National Treatment Centre will be delayed for at least two years.

I understand that the facility was expected to provide elective care to patients across North Ayrshire and Arran, particularly those needing joint replacement surgery and other orthopaedic treatment. 

I receive letters and emails all too often from local residents saying they have waited far too long for vital treatments and surgeries, which is why I know this announcement will be so disheartening for many.

In more positive news, I welcomed the announcement last week that NatureScot are considering making the Ardeer peninsula a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The peninsula is one of North Ayrshire’s most important sites for biodiversity, with its varied habitats and huge range of wildlife, so any steps to preserve that for future generations are welcome news.

There is a scientific process to be completed before designation can be granted, as well as consultation and cooperation with local groups and interests, but I expect all involved will do what is needed to preserve our unique natural environment here in North Ayrshire.

It can be easy for politicians to get distracted by the noise of national politics which is why I take care to keep up with local developments, largely with the help of our valued local journalists as well as constituents who are kind enough to raise issues with me.

As my annual report will be landing on doorsteps in the coming days, if it hasn’t already done so. Please remember to fill out my 60-second survey to tell me what your priorities are.

You can submit your responses either by post, email or via the QR code on the leaflet.