Having long campaigned for more investment in North Ayrshire, I was happy to learn that Irvine town centre may finally benefit from much-needed funding from the UK Government.

As part of the Levelling Up Fund, North Ayrshire Council has been awarded £20million to upgrade infrastructure, town centres, and public services which may have fallen into neglect. Irvine has been in vital need of regeneration for quite some time, especially on the back of numerous private investment let-downs.

In a recent article in the local press, I was reminded of the over £200m that was promised for the Irvine Harbourside back in the mid-2010s.

There were ambitious plans to build a holiday resort, housing complexes and supporting infrastructure which could have transformed Irvine into a must-visit holiday destination for tourists and a new home for many vying for a place to stay on North Ayrshire’s scenic coast.

Despite these developments having all been approved by North Ayrshire Council, nothing ever materialised from these plans. Similar proposals were also brought forward by the Irvine Bay Regeneration Company, though these also fell through in the wake of the company’s dissolution in 2017.

I hope to work with the Scottish Government to ensure that this funding can create new jobs, build more housing and boost our local area’s high streets.

On this topic, I know many local businesses in Largs have hit out against business rates reaching over £1,000 per month, with some shops shutting their doors as a result of these rising costs.

This is completely unaffordable and sends the wrong message to business owners in our community, which is why I fully support North Ayrshire Council's decision to write to the First Minister and ask him to restart the business rates relief scheme.

High streets are the heart of our community and we should take pride in ours. 

Investing in our future does not end with funding pledges and grand infrastructure projects. It is also important that politicians also listen to the concerns and aspirations of the generations following us. This is why I am looking forward to the result of this year's Scottish Youth Parliament elections for Cunningham North and Cunningham South.

When visiting schools, colleges and numerous community groups throughout my region, I have been continually impressed by the curiosity, awareness and passion displayed by Scotland's young people on the pressing issues of our time.

The Youth Parliament has been particularly successful in giving these young people a voice and bringing a fresh perspective that long-serving politicians may not have considered before.

This year's candidates have displayed an impressive knowledge of current affairs, focussing on the environment, the need for improved mental wellbeing services, equality issues and eliminating poverty in Scotland.

Four candidates will be voted to become MSYPs for Cunningham North and South, with polls closing on Friday, January 26. I wish all of the candidates the best of luck in the upcoming election and encourage everyone between the ages of 16 and 25 to take part.