Read what MP Bill grant has been up to in Cumnock in his monthly column: 

I attended the Launch Event for Dalrymple, Hollybush and Skeldon Community Action Plan held at Dalrymple Primary School, from which it became clear that the members of the Community Steering Group have been busy beavering away, together with representatives from East Ayrshire Council.

I wish them well in moving forward with improvements identified in the five year plan.

At Ayr College I observed history in the making with the Signing of the Heads of Terms Agreement for the Ayrshire Growth Deal by the Secretary of State for Scotland, a Scottish Cabinet Secretary and the local Ayrshire Council Leaders.

A deal worth at least £240million to Ayrshire - and that is just the combined contributions of both UK and Scottish Governments and Ayrshire’s Councils.

It is particularly good news for Cumnock that it will host the National Energy Research Demonstrator Project creating new opportunities.

East Ayrshire has a proud industrial heritage, it could be said that it will in effect continue to keep the home fires burning but now in terms of playing an important role in the new era of renewable energy projects.

For tourism week I visited Turnberry Holiday Park, I am so fortunate to have such a scenic Constituency with an array of wonderful tourist attractions for those from within the UK and further afield to visit.

I have also participated in several Debates - Transport for Towns; Eating Disorders Awareness Week; Fire Safety and Sprinklers; Interdependence of Modern Farming and the Environment; and Improvements to Disability Assessment Services.

Intervening in the Effect on the Solar Industry of the Replacement of the Feed-inTariff Debate and the Reduced Insect Population Debate.

Brexit developments abound. There have been several motions, amendments and votes resulting in the Prime Minister being mandated to seek an extension of the period specified in Articles 50(3).

The Speaker of the House of Commons subsequently advised no further Meaningful Vote could proceed on the same or broadly similar Agreement.

The EU’s recent response was to offer a conditional short extension.

I will not comment further meantime, given the dynamics of the situation.