Our Man Holyrood: Due to the the risks of physical attack the days of open surgeries with MPs and MSPs may be coming to a close following the 'appalling killing' of Sir David Amess
The appalling killing of Sir David Amess is a further stark reminder of the risks to which people in public life are exposed.
This followed the murder of Jo Cox, and here in Scotland there have been shocking incidents of abuse to many MSPs and MPs, particularly towards my female colleagues across the chamber.
This is rightly leading to a further review of how we engage with the public. However, its not only politicians and their staff at risk. Those working alone in shops are exposed to risk, as are many in the emergency services who have to deal with people who may have abused drink or drugs and be a risk to themselves and others.
It is vital that we are available to speak to any member of the public who seeks help, and fortunately that can usually be done by email, phone, Zoom or Teams calls. Meetings by arrangement can also be carried out and are.
However, I do fear that because of the risks of physical attack, the days of open surgeries may now be coming to a close which would be a sadness. Having carried out around 1300 of them over 22 years, its often been at surgeries that one meets those who have really needed a helping hand, and those who have a fascinating story to tell.
News that the Austrian company Binder Holz (BH) has purchased leading sawmiller BSW is to be welcomed. The plants in the Highlands at Boat of Garten and Fort William will benefit from increased investment. BH are a major European player in the sector.
The commercial timber sector in Scotland has been a Scottish success story but has much more to offer, not least in moving into new markets. One such is through the use of cross-laminated timber which enables a wider range of buildings to be constructed from wood.
To see this technique developed in Scotland, and indeed the UK, would contribute massively to climate change because it would in part replace brick and concrete block.
I have spoken to the local management and would welcome the new owners to Scotland and hope to meet them to hear first-hand about their investment plans. It will also help sustain more quality jobs in the north.
The Inverness Airport railway project is now under way and will provide a massive benefit to Inverness, its people and the planet as it will, in due course, help remove massive numbers of lorries from the road through enabling a rail freight scheme.
