Category Archives: Constituency

McDonalds Drive Through and Care Village rejected

  

Following the decisions made by East Lothian Council today, I welcome the decisions made regarding the proposed McDonalds Drive-Through and the Care Village outside of North Berwick. Traffic in that area of Musselburgh is bad enough.  I have had messages from constituents as well, expressing concern about the potential noise and extra litter. I also echo my Council colleagues’ comments… Read more »

Visiting Whitekirk Hill

  

I recently met with the team at the Whitekirk Hill Leisure facilities between North Berwick and Dunbar. It was great to see the significant work done by the staff and management there to allow them to open their café and restaurant safely on a limited basis, and it was great to see visitors enjoying the gorgeous views over the East… Read more »

Enter the Best Small Shops competition

  

I am encouraging locally-run shops and independent retailers in East Lothian’s towns and villages to enter Indie Retail’s Best Small Shops competition. The competition is free to enter and, according to Indie Retail, an organisation that promotes independent retail, “celebrates not only the commitment and creativity of entrepreneurial independent retailers on the UK’s High Streets but also, the central role… Read more »

Reminder to parents in East Lothian eligible to apply for £250 primary school start grant

  

I am encouraging parents of children aged four to five to apply for the Scottish Government’s Best Start Grant. A one-off £250 payment is currently open to eligible families, with a child who was born between 1st March 2015 and 29th February 2016, who will be starting primary school later this year. The payment is part of the Scottish Government’s… Read more »

East Lothian Council Consults on safe physical distancing

  

East Lothian Council have opened up a consultation on Spaces for People in East Lothian.  According to the council website “Given the limited space in our towns, it’s important we introduce enhanced spaces for people on foot, in wheelchairs and on bikes. “The requirements for social distancing are likely to remain in place for some time and people will be… Read more »

Lockdown has provided unanticipated consequences

  

In my column in the East Lothian Courier I discuss just some of the issues that have been coming up regularly in my mailbox.  One of the common themes is people in already difficult circumstances being hit the hardest. As I say in the column: “The most distressing has been the plight of those seeking to maintain contact with terminally… Read more »

East Lothian’s contribution to Christian Aid Week

  

Last week I was informed that East Lothian had raised a large amount of money for Christian Aid week.  The theme of the annual fundraiser this year was focussed on the needs of those who have been hardest hit by the coronavirus in the poorest countries with the least developed health systems. I’m really pleased to note that the work… Read more »

Coronavirus Advice pages and resources

  

This is a difficult time for many in the constituency. We have put these pages together to provide answers for some the frequently asked questions that come in to my mailbox. This is a fast moving situation and the advice will necesarily need to be updated over time. Every update to these pages will be date stamped so you can… Read more »

Surgeries postponed due to Coronavirus

  

In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic I have made the regrettable decision to cancel my advice surgeries for the foreseeable future. This is a temporary measure until this situation passes, and rest assured, my office team and I are still on hand to help with your enquiries. You can contact me directly by email: kenny.macaskill.mp@parliament.uk and regular updates will… Read more »

Business Interruption Loans from East Lothian Investments

  

East Lothian Investments has announced a new Business Interruption Loan scheme to support business at this time. They say: “In light of the Covid -19 pandemic, ELI has implemented a business interruption loan which replaces the previous interest free loan offering.” “Loans can be applied for to a maximum of £5,000, interest free with a holiday repayment period of 4… Read more »