Our Beautiful Coasts and Glens

With only 10 weeks to go until the Scottish General Election election, on May 5^th, it is easy – at least for politicians - to get swept up in the excitement of campaigning. However, with another four weeks for this session, parliamentary work still goes on and we are busy with committees and debates and will be up until the end of March.

I am also busy in the constituency with visits and casework and will hold surgeries until the Parliamentary session ends. It's business as usual. Even as our eyes may be elsewhere.

In parliament a couple of weeks ago I spoke on the Burial and Cremation Bill. In some places, children’s ashes after cremation had not been treated with proper respect. This had happened over many decades. And that's why we are changing the law.

This is the most sensitive of subjects as it touches how individuals want to remain connected to their loved ones after they have departed this life.

We are trying to ensure that councils observe national standards for burial grounds and crematoria. We are creating a framework for undertakers – the ones I have met are already consummate, caring professionals.

And we are placing a duty on providers of burial grounds and crematoria to publish their records.

Although not the main reason for this part of the new law, it will help families over the coming centuries find out what happened to their ancestors. Not much of our legislation looks that far forward!

Last week I was delighted to attend a meeting in Macduff with the members of Banffshire Coast Tourism Partnership. They have agreed to become a full member of the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire Tourism Company (AATC).

Michael Barclay de Tolly - from near Fyvie

That's important because, despite our undoubted natural beauties, strong cultural heritage and excellent food and drink, we're not getting our fair share of visitors. And the economic benefits they bring.

The new company's off to flying start. There will be an additional £1.5 million boost to publicise our area. The businesses that were in the room in Macduff were definitely up for it.

So we need everyone in our area to be singing the praises of what we've got – wonderful golf, miles of beaches, busy harbours, accommodation from caravan sites, boutique hotels and bustling restaurants – and, of course, the internationally renowned Traditional Boat Festival at Portsoy.

We might take all this for granted. But we mustn't assume everyone else knows.

And in Duff House at Banff, we have a venue suitable for tourist visits or for business meetings. They are particularly important because they are often in the dark months when traditional tourists are scarcer.

I trust our new company finds ways to work with new entrepreneurs in our tourism businesses. Perhaps using the achievements of folk who've gone from our area, and their offspring to intrigue and attract.

Elvis Presley's folks from Lonmay. The founder of Mitsubishi, Thomas Blake Glover from the Broch. Michael Barclay de Tolly – the Czar's Field Marshal who defeated Napoleon. And whiskies galore.