Angela Constance – SNP MSP Almond Valley

This year has seen continued Westminster austerity, with changes to benefits affecting the most vulnerable.

And all the while we still have the ongoing uncertainty of Brexit, a situation which sees little prospect of being resolved either quickly or painlessly.

There’s so much good work being carried out by many organisations and charities in our local communities – there’s the West Lothian Credit Union helping people with their finances; the School Bank West Lothian ensuring that kids have school uniform to wear; Kidzeco providing families with quality pre-loved children’s clothes and toys at an affordable cost; and far too many more to mention.

Thanks to everyone who gets involved in these great projects and helps to make a real difference.

I wish that we didn’t need foodbanks, so that those with the least are still able to feed themselves and their kids.

But, while we do, thank you to all who volunteer with organisations like West Lothian Foodbank or who donate much needed food at all times of the year to ensure that no-one goes hungry.

Those in our emergency services working to keep us safe, those caring for others and, especially, those who will be working over the holidays and unable to spend time with their families, a heartfelt thanks to you all.

I hope that everyone has had a very merry Christmas and all the very best for 2019.