Scottish Parliament Finance Committee Convener Kenneth Gibson is bringing the committee to Arran for the first time on Monday (December 1).

Mr Gibson said: “Where possible the people of Scotland should have the opportunity to see their Parliament in their own community.

"Once a year, for our most important meeting the Finance Committee travels out of Edinburgh.

"In 2011 we visited Largs, in 2012 Hawick, last year Arbroath and this year I am delighted we will meet in Arran.

"It means that people can come along and learn more about the work we do to scrutinise the Scottish Government.

“Every year we examine the Scottish Government’s draft budget, which for 2015-16 totals over £30 billion.

"The Committee looks carefully at how the Scottish Government proposes to spend its money and what that spending is meant to achieve.

“This year we will also consider Scottish Government taxation plans for the first time, specifically the two recently devolved taxes - Land and Buildings Transaction Tax (which replaces UK Stamp Duty Land Tax) and the Scottish Landfill Tax.

“As part of our scrutiny process we believe it is vital to hear from local businesses and community groups which have been invited along to take part in workshops with committee members in the morning.

"We will report back on issues raised and put these views directly to Finance Secretary, John Swinney MSP, when he comes to Arran to answer our questions about Scottish Government priorities and the money it spends on behalf of the people of Scotland.” Workshops will take place in the morning in Arran High School, Lamlash.

The formal committee with John Swinney begins at 1pm.

If Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald readers would like to attend and hear more about how taxpayers’ money will be spent in Scotland, they should call the Parliament’s Visitor Services office on 0131 348 5200 or email sp.bookings@scottish.parliament.uk to book a seat.

Tickets can be collected on the day at the school before 1pm.

Further details about the Finance Committee’s scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s draft budget are available on the Scottish Parliament’s website at scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/CurrentCommittees/29822.aspx.