I was delighted to catch up with my constituents at my latest surgery on the Isle of Gigha.

Concerns have been raised about the need for a newer ferry for Gigha as well as later sailings to help minimise future disruptions.

This is not just a matter that affects Gigha's growing tourism economy, but also for many who live on the island but work on the mainland.

Like many parts of Argyll and Bute, the Isle of Gigha has many areas lacking mobile phone signal and that suffer from slow broadband. With some reports showing that we in Argyll are the 3rd slowest constituency in Scotland, it's clear that much more needs to be done to clear our digital black spots.

The overloaded bins at Tayinloan ferry port are overflowing with rubbish and this problem is exasperated in the summer months. I have contacted our council and asked for something done about this as soon as possible.

The road to Gigha's cemetery and the overall condition of the cemetery continues to be raised by my constituents time and time again. It is my firm belief that we have a moral obligation to keep our cemeteries in good condition. I have been working with Donald Cameron MSP and my fellow Conservative Councillors to get this matter addressed.

With more and more people in the UK using electric cars I have been pressing for the expansion of the number of car recharging points across my ward including our many island communities.

Rural depopulation is a challenge for the Kintyre and Islands ward. If we are to combat rural depopulation in the future, quality long term jobs, with school to work programs, will need to be an essential part of the solution.

It was fantastic to be back on the Isle of Gigha and I am looking forward to visit to my constituents on the island very soon.

Cllr Alastair Redman