As an MSP, I’ve had a busy year in Holyrood and around the South Scotland Region.

With my new party role in Business, Economic Growth and Tourism, I’ve been working hard to explore how Ayrshire and the wider region can make the most of our local talent and facilities to build a stronger economy.

I’m also excited to see Royal Troon Golf Club playing host to the Open Championship in 2024.

Not only will this bring a huge number of visitors to the town and show Ayrshire to the world, it will also bring some great opportunities for people in the area, particularly young people, to get involved in the run-up to the event.

While the cost-of-living crisis and the legacies of the pandemic continue to make like challenging for many of us and our public services, I’m already seeing signs that we are turning a corner.

When we stop to look back on the year just gone, it often feels like the bad moments linger in our memories longer than the good, but that’s why the turn of the year is also a chance to look forward to better things to come. 

I’m looking forward to everything that 2024 might bring, not least being able to visit more of the businesses and organisations across Ayrshire that make it such a special place.

As always, if you’d like to contact me about anything, you can e-mail, Brian.Whittle.MSP@parliament.scot.

Happy New Year!