Grand National Charity Bet 2024
/Huge thanks to the Betting and Gaming Council for their generous £50 charity bet on the Grand National at the weekend.
Had luck been on our side, all winnings would have gone directly to my selected charity, Killie Foodbanks. Killie Foodbanks is an organisation made up of dedicated Killie fans who selflessly support our local foodbanks. As part of Fans Supporting Foodbanks Scotland, their motto of #HungerDoesntWearClubColours resonates deeply with the community.
Their tireless efforts deserve recognition and applause. Football fans often face unfair stereotypes, but the work of Killie Foodbanks and similar initiatives shines a light on the true spirit of camaraderie and compassion within our communities.
They personify what it means to care for others regardless of club allegiances. Despite the horses not delivering a win, I'm pleased to announce that the Betting and Gaming Council will still be donating £250 to Killie Foodbanks. This contribution will go a long way in supporting their vital work, ensuring that those in need receive the assistance they deserve.
Tartan Day Parade 2024
/As MP for Kilmarnock and Loudoun, I've had the privilege of representing the rich tapestry of Scottish culture and heritage on various platforms.
However, nothing quite prepared me for the experience of participating in the Tartan Day Parade in New York City alongside my colleagues in the Scottish Affairs Committee. For those unfamiliar, Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage that takes place annually on April 6th, marking the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath in 1320, of course a pivotal moment in Scottish history.
It's a day filled with vibrant displays of tartan, traditional music and a sense of pride in Scottish identity. Walking through the bustling streets of Manhattan surrounded by the lively display of tartan and the sound of bagpipes, you couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride in Scottish culture. The global appeal of this celebration was evident as enthusiasts from around the world joined in the festivities.
What truly made this experience unforgettable, however, was the unexpected encounters with constituents amidst the throngs of parade-goers. It's remarkable to think that despite being over 3,000 miles away from Kilmarnock and Loudoun, I found myself bumping into familiar faces on the streets of New York City.
It served as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of our global community and the enduring bond that ties Scots together, regardless of geographical distance.
Participating in the Tartan Day Parade was a reminder of the enduring bond that unites Scots, no matter where they may find themselves.
It was a privilege to stand as a representative for my constituents in such an energetic environment – what an occasion!
Visit to local Parkinson's Group
/Honoured to join the local Parkinson's support group for a table tennis session last week at Dunlop Community Centre.
Huge thanks to the group, Parkinson's Active and Table Tennis Scotland for making such inclusive experiences possible for all Ayrshire Parkinson's Support Group
Video: Real terms cut to Scottish Budget
/Cutting £1.6bn from capital budget doesn't just hurt infrastructure; it's a £3bn blow to our economy.
Analysis from Institution of Civil Engineers finds every £1 invested in construction yields £2.
"Why does this Government think it's okay to decimate infrastructure spend in Scotland?"
Puppysmuggling
/For over a decade, Dogs Trust has been raising awareness of the cruel #PuppySmuggling trade.
I am glad to support their efforts and celebrate the upcoming second reading of the Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill.
Employment Fair
/Pleased to join Elena Whitham MSP for the Employment Fair at the Boswell Centre in Auchinleck.
Fantastic to see local businesses & employers present and providing potential employment opportunities to locals.
Thanks to everyone who popped along.
World Book Day 2024
/Delighted to join both Annanhill and Galston primaries for this year's #WorldBookDay celebrations.
Discussing the joy of reading with pupils was a pleasure.
Finding the right book is key to fostering a real love for reading.
Grateful to both schools for the warm welcome.
Bellfield Shops
/It was a pleasure to visit the Bellfield Shop last Thursday.
I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Kenny at The Lounge Cafe for his outstanding dedication to supporting our community and for his unwavering commitment to assisting those with additional support needs.
Additionally, I had the opportunity to stop by A Scents of Scotland in anticipation of Mother’s Day where I purchased some goods to gift to my mum. Some of my staff also visited G. Donaldson’s Traditional Family Butcher to get some top-quality local produce for the weekend’s dinners!
It's fantastic to see small businesses thriving - these experiences reaffirm the importance of supporting our local businesses, which not only bolster our economy but also enrich the fabric of our community.
Titch Coffee House
/I had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened Titch Coffee House last Friday.
While some of my staff were fortunate enough to attend the opening night on Thursday, my travel commitments prevented me from joining them. However, I made sure to stop by on Friday to pick up some coffee and pastries for the office.
It's truly commendable that all the produce is sourced locally, supporting Scottish businesses. The first few days of business have been a resounding success for the team, and it's heartening to see an empty space transformed into a top-of-the-range coffee house.
This adds to the thriving businesses already operating on Titchfield Street. Credit to Melv and Becky for their dedication to improving the area.
They are located at 57 Titchfield Street in Kilmarnock and you can also find them on Instagram @titchcoffeehouse. I encourage everyone to stop by and experience their offerings firsthand.
