For a number of reasons. It’s buzz and vibe. It’s internationalism. It’s passion for social change. It’s community spirit. It’s various, superb small businesses. The wide-ranging, generous charities. The Walk. The Shore. The Port. The dynamism. The list goes on…

And over recent decades Leith has had some excellent parliamentarians, who’ve worked hard to serve all of what makes Leith remarkable – public servants with compassion, wisdom, commitment and courage. From Ron Brown to Mark Lazarowicz to Deidre Brock, Leith has benefitted from principled voices at Westminster, whether Labour or SNP. And, while I of course accept the democratic result, Deidre’s loss is a loss for Leith.

Deidre and her team got results for local people. She stood up regularly in the House of Commons to challenge injustice and damaging policies. During the last 9 years she made a meaningful difference for many and represented our area admirably. Her fighting spirit will be missed and, as an increasing number of people have said to me in recent months, “Leith has lost a really good local MP.” Agreed.

Things move on though and, particularly in the recent transitional months of upheaval between MPs, my team and I have stepped up to do even more for the area, and with an unrelenting focus on working for the common good and in interests of local people. Indeed, one of many reasons why I put myself forward to stand for the Scottish Parliament in 2016 was because Leith was used to having a constructive, engaged, pro-active MSP in the then retiring Malcolm Chisholm, and I thought Leith would probably like another one.

Malcolm is someone I have long admired and, since our handover, I’ve worked to serve this area in a similarly constructive, engaged, pro-active style. That’s what I’ve endeavoured to be – by being myself – for over 8 years now: a hard-working local representative.

All of my experience working outside of politics, until 2016, and during all the years that I’ve been in the Scottish Parliament, I have held a strong belief that most people just want their politicians to try to get on, disagree respectfully, work together as much as reasonable, and – most importantly – deliver solutions and positive change.

The more I am involved in politics the more my belief in working for a better way of doing politics is affirmed. And in that spirit, I will endeavour to work collaboratively with Tracy Gilbert MP in good faith, to serve all the people we both represent. Especially at an important time for our country, nearly a quarter of the way into this century…

We face many challenges – locally, nationally and internationally – but there is a lot of good progress being made, which keeps me optimistic. On a macro level, 25 years since reconvening, the Scottish Parliament continues to make a meaningful impact in our everyday lives. Yes, there is still much to improve and still to achieve, but everyday I’m proud that our Scottish Parliament makes things a bit easier and better for many people. We must keep this progress up if we’re to reach our collective potential.

Locally, bit-by-bit, despite tricky times more widely, we are making progress and improvements in various different ways too. For example, recently I established a stakeholder group for the Shore area and Water of Leith basins, which is already yielding results by helping parties to work together.

We’re determined to see the water areas improved and the Shore road re-cobbled, potentially in time from the Visitor Levy (that I campaigned for along with a number of others). And those involved in creating the new Paolozzi mural has gifted Leith something for us all to smile about and appreciate – thank you to everyone who made it happen!

Moreover, the Port of Leith renewables hub development is really exciting, and I’m working hard and collaboratively to help secure further investment, like Vestas’ proposals to establish a major offshore wind manufacturing facility and hundreds of additional jobs.

The plans for the Customs House are impressively innovative and inclusive, and the trust are now looking at how to fund it all. A digital exhibition facility would bring multiple new opportunities!

I continue to work with Leith Theatre to support them in getting the resources they need, to become the Barrowlands of the east and perhaps an even better venue for live music. Recently I also used my voice to represent local artists concerned about Creative Scotland’s Open Fund, which I was glad and grateful to see the Scottish Government decide to continue to finance.

And the film and production sector in our area continues to go from strength to strength, from the film studio to many creative businesses doing different, interesting things with screen, sound and animation. With tech and computer games companies thriving in our area too, we really are a hub of innovation – which is why I continue to look for opportunities for more affordable studio space, including potentially reusing part of the Scottish Government’s Victoria Quay building for this. The building is underused since the pandemic because more civil servants are now working from home.

I’m also campaigning for the Leith Police Station to move into a new public services hub in Victoria Quay too (as the current police station is in the old Leith City Chambers – which isn’t fit for 21st century policing and the chambers should also be a historic landmark that the public can access to see).

I’ve been supporting local fire fighters at McDonald Road too, who do an inspirational job to help keep us all safe. If you’re in that area I’d recommend checking out the Museum of Fire Heritage, which is fascinating. It’s remarkable that 200 years ago, in 1824, the first municipal fire service was created in Edinburgh.

Lastly, Leith’s hospitality sector continues to flourish with the still fairly new distillery an increasingly luring destination, new spots opening with fresh offers, and older favourites continually popular, like the recently award winning Teuchters Landing.

These are just some of the brilliant local organisations and causes that my team and I have worked to assist, recognise and support in the last months. I’m here if you have any issues and concerns but also if you think I can help with initiatives and ideas – in a constructive spirit, whoever you vote for.

It’s a challenging time but there’s plenty to be optimistic about and working towards. We persevere. ■

X: @benmacpherson