THIS week's Councillor Column is written by Cllr Iain S Paterson (SNP, Lomond North).

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THE council budget will soon be upon us, and I’ve had many constituents contact me regarding various areas of concern.

I am glad to see that the plans to look at savings in education, relating to school crossing patrol and pupil support assistants will no longer be part of the budget proposal – one that I, and my SNP group colleagues, were never going to support.

Another area of concern to Argyll and Bute is the effect of the UK’s departure from the European Union on the Scottish fishing industry. I worry that the same may soon happen to farmers who export quality Scotch beef and lamb to the EU. This is all the result of something that the people of Scotland, and Argyll and Bute, voted overwhelmingly against.

READ MORE: Pupil support assistants to be spared axe as council sets its budget

These industries are crucial to our local and national economy. The owners of successful seafood companies have warned that they are days away from collapse. They are just a small example of what is facing the economy of Scotland as a result of decisions taken by the Tory government in Westminster, and illustrate the need, more than ever, for Scotland to be independent, so that we’re no longer at the mercy of disastrous policies and decisions we never voted for.

Closer to home I’d like to acknowledge and thank all the unpaid carers, volunteers and key workers who have contributed so much during the pandemic, providing services, care and support for isolated and vulnerable loved ones in our communities. You have made such a difference – a difference I have seen time and again in my own community in Lomond North.

The one good thing to have come out of this horrible time is the care and compassion people have for each other. I do not think there is a greater gift than being able to help someone who for one reason or another needs some extra support or has fallen on hard times.

READ MORE: 'Let us look forward' - thousands receive Covid vaccinations in Helensburgh and Lomond

This coming year will be especially hard for many who have lost someone they care for and love during the pandemic. Perhaps one thing we can all do in 2021 is to make contact with friends and loved ones who, for one reason or another, we haven’t been in touch with for a while.

A phone call, an email, a Zoom chat or even writing them a letter (remember those?) to show that we still care is something we can all do, and something I’m sure will be gratefully received.

With the vaccine now being rolled out across Helensburgh and Lomond, and around Scotland, hopefully in the not-too-distant future we’ll be able to return to some sort of normality.

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