I have given up Lucozade for this year's campaign and I would urge my constituents in Banff and Buchan to get themselves a Wee Box. This year's theme is Climate Change, but the focus remains on those in poorer countries who are unnecessarily suffering.

I'm still putting money in my Wee Box instead of buying any energy drinks and the idea is to do this for the whole six weeks. As the end of that is approaching my constituents need not worry, as SCIAF will still be able to send you out a Wee Box.

Anyone interested should take a look at www.theweebox.org where you will be able to get a box sent out, and you can even backdate your donations from the start of Lent!

The best of rural businesses

I RECENTLY had the opportunity to officially open Norvite's new store at Blackbog Farm in Oldmeldrum.

Here in the North-east we have a proud legacy of rural culture and the agricultural and fishing industries that are integral to it. It is very much built into who we are, and 'Norvite' has a name which is well-known by farmers throughout the area.

We are fortunate that we are able to get hold of the very best in natural rural produce, and companies such as Norvite excel in this department. I was able when visiting them to announce the granting of a Royal Warrant for their specialisation in animal feeds and supplements, and speaking to all the staff I could see how richly deserved this is.

Norvite makes excellent use of the local area and heritage to maximise its business potential and has done very well indeed.

We do, of course, have a vast array of tremendous local rural shops where attention to detail and on the best possible quality, mean that in Aberdeenshire and Banffshire we have some of the finest rural industries in the country.

There can be no question that Scotland's farming and fishing industries have had to endure very testing times – and even now are having to weather the side-effects of the global economic crisis. It is extremely heartening to note that progress does still continue to be made in certain quarters, and I wish Norvite every success.

Sure and Steadfast

I WAS delighted to be asked to visit the 2nd Turriff Boys' Brigade recently to act as the Inspecting Officer at their Annual Display. The boys were very well turned out indeed, and I very much enjoyed chatting to them afterwards.

It was a hard task picking the winners though and I have to say all of the boys deserved an accolade of some sort, and I look forward to paying a visit again.

I so often hear the complaint that our youngsters have 'nothing to do' in the evenings – but that is certainly not the case for the many bright and well turned-out youngsters I have encountered in the uniformed organisations throughout Banff and Buchan, be that the Boys' Brigade, the Scouts or the Navy Cadets.

I have never failed to be impressed by their enthusiasm, commitment, and smart appearance, and the training and experience which they gain by their involvement will stand them in good stead for assuming leadership roles in the future.

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