I have had a very busy few days attending meetings, having surgeries and speaking directly to local residents and businesses in Tarbert and Kilbery.

Local residents in Tarbert continue to be justifiably concerned and in many cases angry about the proposed positioning of numerous huge electrical pylons that will have an adverse effect on Tarbert's iconic and picturesque landscape. A number of these residents are also worried about the planned development having a substantial effect on property prices.

I have contacted Donald Cameron MSP on this matter and we both will continue to liaise with the hard working Tarbert and Skipness community council to do all that we can to see that local voices are not ignored.

At my latest surgery in Kilbery I got the opportunity to hear from my South Knapdale constituents about many pressing local issues. Almost everyone I have spoken to across South Knapdale and beyond are against the Airigh Wind Farm development. Much like the pylon question in Tarbert it is essential we listen to local concerns on these matters. In my opinion we Councillors are elected to represent our local constituents and not urban based environmental Twitter activists.

I also heard concerns about speeding by some vehicles through Torinturk, as well as the road junction with the A83 at Inverneill which is unsafe and may need widening. Also for the sake of public safety and convenience it's very important our roads department cuts back tree branches that are likely to fall causing road blocks on many South Knapdale roads. These safety and convenience concerns also apply to grass verges needing to be cut back and culverts and ditches being maintained to stop flooding on the local road network.

Across my council ward I continue to hear from constituents that are living in some of Argyll's many digital black spots. When it comes to digital connectivity it is unfair that rural areas are left with a service that is not fit for purpose. As I have said so many times before, a decent internet service is not a luxury item but an essential tool for personal and business use alike.

My council ward must not be ignored by central government and utility providers. That's why I will keep fighting for my constituents all year round.

Cllr Alastair Redman