I hope everyone has been enjoying the slow return to normality given the continued easing of restrictions. With Parliament being in recess and Westminster business put on hold for much of April and May, I’ve been pleased to spend more time working on constituency matters.
I’m sure we’ve all been delighted to see a number of coronavirus restrictions have been lifted in Scotland over the past few weeks as we progress on the road to recovery from COVID-19.
Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our NHS and wider health staff in rolling out the vaccine, as well as the continued collective sacrifices of the community in following the public health guidance, more businesses have been able to safely open which has been most welcome. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to all retailers, services, employers, and workers who have experienced so much uncertainty and stress during this period.
I hope that the continued easing of restrictions will begin to bring back a bit of normality to our lives. I would particularly like to give a special mention to all the hairdressers and barbers working in the constituency, who have had the unenviable but important task of fixing some of the questionable lockdown haircuts we have seen throughout this difficult time.
I’d also like to take a to wish students and teachers in East Dunbartonshire all the best in the lead up to assessments. It was a tremendously difficult start to 2021 for our students and teachers, but I sincerely appreciate all the efforts of young people in the constituency to continue to learn and to stick by the guidelines. I understand it is not easy, particularly with the continued interruptions to education that the pandemic brings, but I’ve been proud to see and hear how well kids, and indeed parents, have adapted to home-learning settings despite it being such a new and unfamiliar experience.
A huge thanks as well goes out to all teachers who have sacrificed so much time and effort to ensure children continued to learn and develop despite not being in the classroom. Whether it be creating interactive lesson plans or presenting classes over webcam, the way teaching staff have adapted and risen to these new challenges in such a short space of time is nothing short of incredible - and goes to underline what a credit to the community all the teachers in East Dunbartonshire’s schools are.
As we continue to progress on the road to recovery from this pandemic, it is important to remember that coronavirus is still here, and we should not let our guards down. Despite vaccines bringing cause for hope, I would encourage everyone to continue to stay up to date with the public health guidance in place and act responsibly. The continued easing of restrictions is incredibly exciting and most welcome, but it is imperative that we keep a level of caution when returning to social settings to ensure we continue to progress on the right path.
It would also be remiss of me not to mention the recent Scottish Parliamentary elections on 6th May. While I will not use this platform to campaign, I would nevertheless like to thank all those who registered to vote, regardless of what party they supported, for engaging in the democratic process.
Being able to take part in a democratic process to elect your own representatives is often a privilege we take for granted; but it should never be. Now, more than ever, your vote matters and will no doubt be incredibly important in deciding the shape and future of the country you wish to live in.
I would also like to thank all the staff at East Dunbartonshire Council for their immense effort during the ballot count process. Ensuring this count progressed smoothly despite the unprecedented circumstances is no easy task and the immense effort of all involved is sincerely much appreciated.
With Parliament now returning to a full schedule, I look forward to continuing to represent East Dunbartonshire to the best of my ability and advancing the causes of all those who need help and support in the constituency.
Amy
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