Politics: Families can get assistance through support payments

This summer it’s been good to get out in the constituency and I was delighted the Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie accepted my invitation to attend the Turriff Show, writes MSP Gillian Martin.

We attended the NFUS meeting alongside their members and politicians for cross-party discussions.

The Minister and I were then able to attend a number of stalls and had some really good conversations.

It was great to have Minister Fairlie in attendance and ensure the views of the north-east farming community are represented to the Scottish Government.

I was also able to stop at quite a few local businesses who were in attendance at the show.

I met with Kevin Bonarius who owns Twice Buried Rum with his partner Katie. They produce small batch rum and vodka which is distilled right here in the heart of Aberdeenshire.

They started out in 2021 and have gone from strength to strength ever since.

I also met Mike from Foghouse Gin. Inspired by the Foghouses found on Scottish estates, Mike has created a unique product reflective of our surroundings.

Finally, I also got to meet Colin, from Col’s Baking Kits. When he started this passion project during lockdown, he never anticipated it would become a brand-new business venture, but after being made redundant from the oil and gas industry, Colin decided to give it a go.

A baker by trade, Colin has perfected how to make the perfect buttery at home and sells his baking kits all over the UK.

It is incredible how much produce and innovation there is on offer in Aberdeenshire, and I look forward to visiting all three businesses again in the coming months.

It is so important to shop local so if any of these products sound interesting to you – go check them out.

The summer holidays are at their end and for many parents and caregivers it will be a chance to breathe a sigh of relief as six weeks of juggling work, holidays and summer clubs comes to an end.

To all parents and caregivers who’ve faced this challenge over the last six weeks, well done on managing the juggle of it all for another year.

If you are worried about the cost of things as your child or children return to school, please remember there is financial support available.

We know extra costs, including new shoes, stationary and lunch boxes can soon add up.

The five family payments administered by Social Security Scotland can help pay for extra back to school expenses alongside everyday family costs like food, clothing and days out.

This includes the Scottish Child Payment, a weekly payment of £26.70 for eligible families with children up to the age of 16.

The payment is unique to Scotland and is supporting more than 329,000 children and young people.

The three Best Start Grant payments and Best Start Foods, also part of social security support, are designed to help families at key stages in their children’s early years, including during pregnancy.

There is no cap on the number of children in one family who can receive these payments.

If you think you may qualify, please get in touch with Social Security Scotland to find out more.