Column originally published in The Inverness Courier, 24 June 2022
I am delighted to announce the return of my summer surgery tour. I am looking forward to being back on the road meeting with constituents and businesses across our region.
For the last two summers the lockdown restrictions meant that I was unable to embark on my usual 2,000 mile journey across the Highlands. Politics moved online and we all had to adapt to a new normal of video conferencing.
However, I always find it far more preferable to meet with people in person and so I am relishing the opportunity to do that again this summer.
Indeed, my summer surgery tour is one of the highlights of my year as an MSP and even more so this time as for me it heralds my full return to work following my cancer diagnosis and treatment.
During the last year I have undertaken radiotherapy, chemotherapy and I’ve had successful major surgery to remove the area where the bowel cancer was located.
It’s been a long road to recovery, and I am thankful for all the kind messages of support I have received along the way. I am overjoyed that I can once again focus all my energies into the job I love. I regard it as a privilege to serve the people of the Highlands and Islands.
Beginning in July, I have around 30 surgeries planned for the Summer and my journey will begin in Garve before making the scenic journey over to the west coast to Lochcarron, Applecross and Sheildaig. Then northwards up the coastline, stopping at Torridon, Gairloch, Ullapool and Scourie. I will be visiting the Far North-West coast in Kinlochbervie and across to Tongue, before heading south to Lairg.
In due course I will also confirm the schedule of the rest of my summer surgery tour. I plan to travel northwards again to meet with constituents in Caithness and Sutherland. I also look forward to holding a number of street surgeries in Inverness and Nairn as well as the towns and villages of Badenoch and Strathspey.
Further details of my surgery locations will be advertised in the local press, my website and social media channels. No appointment is necessary, so please feel free to turn up on the day if you require my assistance.
I will also be offering a number of virtual surgery days throughout the summer if you are unable to meet with me while I am on the tour.
I would also like to make it clear that you do not have to wait for me to come to you before seeking help. My office is open throughout the summer and is always ready to provide assistance by phone, email or letter.
