Welcome return of some normality
The last few weeks have seen a return to some greater normality for us all.
With retail and hospitality making steps to reopen and travel restrictions eased, it is certainly very welcome progress.
A dominating feature of the last few weeks has also been the Scottish Parliament election. This has been the strangest campaign I think I have ever been involved in and I have been involved in many campaigns over the years.
As the infection rates have fallen, we have been able to get out and about on the doors and there has been a real sense of warmth from the public and a real desire to chat about the burning issues of the day.
Like in any election campaign, not everyone will be persuaded by the case put to them on the doorstep, but after months of necessary lockdown measures, there is at least a real desire to have genuine dialogue about the future of Scotland.
At the time of writing this article, we don’t yet have any election results, but I have very much enjoyed getting out and about speaking to voters about our positive vision for Scotland. We stood on a platform of record investment in our NHS, delivering a National Care Service, investing in 100,000 new affordable homes, and investing a further £1 billion in our schools to help close the attainment gap – to name a few.
The response I got on the doorsteps was extremely positive and I certainly hope to see the SNP returned to government and Nicola Sturgeon returned as first minister. I cannot imagine any of the other parties delivering the strong leadership required to lead
Scotland out of the pandemic and towards a fairer, stronger, and greener recovery.
Aside from supporting Jim Fairlie and John Swinney in their election campaigns, it has been good to get out and about visiting some of the businesses who have been reopening over the last few weeks.
Although dampened by the somewhat unpredictable weather we have been seeing lately, outdoor hospitality businesses across Perthshire have been doing a roaring trade and that is extremely good to see after many months with the shutters down.
In the coming weeks, as we move to level two, we will see a return to visiting friends and family indoors, and pubs and restaurants being able to serve alcohol indoors once again.
This will be a very welcome step, but one that we know comes with an increased health risk. I would encourage everyone to ensure that they remain familiar with the public health advice and ensure that they do not take unnecessary risks, which could impact the excellent progress we have made to date in tackling the virus.
Finally, I want to thank all of those that have continued to come forward for the COVID-19 vaccination. We are making brilliant progress with first and second doses of vaccination and I urge you to stick with it.
As per Scottish Government guidance, my office remains closed for face-to-face appointments, but I am still able to assist constituents with any issue they may have. My office is available on 01738 639598 or by emailing pete.wishart. mp@parliament.uk