Politics: Reliable broadband is no longer a luxury – it is essential

As winter sets in across Banff and Buchan with colder temperatures now arriving, I encourage everyone to take extra precautions in icy conditions when outdoors.

Please also look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may struggle with mobility during this season as well, and don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need help accessing support.

Various schemes exist to aid households having difficulty with heating costs this winter, with the Energy Price Guarantee and Cost of Living Payments in particular being made through to the end of March next year.

Winter also provides opportunities for fun and festive cheer, and I’d like to thank all the volunteers and supporters who work all year round to organise events to raise funds for Christmas lights and other decorations and festivities

I'm disappointed to see yet again Banff and Buchan continuing to lag behind in superfast broadband roll-out.

We currently have only 23.5 per cent FTTP (fibre to the premises) coverage compared to the national 85 per cent target.

We are told that this target should be reached by 2028 – but we were also told back in 2017 that it would be 100 per cent by 2021, through the increasingly inaccurately named "R100" project.

I'm pressing the Scottish Government to urgently improve connectivity across our region.

Reliable broadband is no longer a luxury – it's an essential utility needed for business, education and modern life.

The delays we face are significantly and unfairly harming residents and enterprises.

SNP empty promises have left too many premises digitally disconnected.

I'll keep fighting until everyone in Banff and Buchan can access the infrastructure needed to thrive today.

That includes pushing the UK Government to intervene if the SNP cannot handle the job.

I am also deeply concerned by the decision taken by Bank of Scotland to cease its mobile banking route serving multiple towns and villages across Aberdeenshire and Moray from next May.

This strips a vital lifeline from rural areas even as physical branch closures continue.

I was particularly disappointed to receive this news less than 24 hours after the doors closed at the Turriff Virgin Money branch (formerly Clydesdale Bank).

I will be meeting with representatives of the bank soon to discuss in more detail how vulnerable customers losing face-to-face facilities.

As mentioned above, not everyone has a decent broadband connection so online banking isn’t always a straightforward option.

In better news, Summers Ward at Peterhead Community Hospital is due to finally reopen on December 18 after a nine-month closure due to Legionella bacteria detected in the water supply.

I welcome rigorous efforts to remediate the systems and make the site safe.

This will ease pressure on patients and relatives who had to travel to Fraserburgh to see loved ones.

While preparation continues in the coming weeks, I'm relieved we can now anticipate restoration of full local services.

Finally, Macduff RNLI station is looking for a volunteer deputy press officer to assist their lifeboat and crew.

The valuable and lifesaving service provided by RNLI relies on community awareness and support.

I encourage anyone able to help promote this vital service through media and events to consider stepping forward.

As the charity marks its 200th anniversary, we celebrate generations of selfless volunteers who've braved all weather and hours to answer cries for help.

Their service represents the best of our coastal community spirit.