Scottish Borders Conservative and Unionist Association

02/09/2026

Deeply concerning news today that the SNP Government are planning to abolish NHS Borders.

Merging NHS Borders with Edinburgh, Aberdeen and the east of Scotland will not help patients here in the Borders and will harm frontline care and services.

NHS Borders is not perfect, but it benefits from being local and understanding the distinct challenges of providing healthcare across rural communities like ours and that it's very different from providing it in Scotland’s largest cities.

The SNP talks about devolution, but this centralisation moves powers, funding, and decision-making away from local communities and into distant centralised bodies.

They must explain what this plan would mean for NHS Borders, its staff but most importantly patients. And I'll be holding them to account on this.

18/08/2026

15/08/2026

We're all set up for 🐄🐑🚜The Peebles Agricultural Show 2026🚜🐑🐄. It's bigger and better than ever! Come and say hello if you're at the show today. David Mundell MP Juliepirone4TweeddaleEast

05/08/2026

05/08/2026

Borders John Lamont MP has written to the Lord Advocate raising concerns about the impact that cannabis use is having on residents across his constituency and calling for greater consideration to be given to those affected.

Mr Lamont said he has received an increasing number of complaints from constituents living in both social and private rented housing who say persistent cannabis use in neighbouring properties is having a significant impact on their quality of life.

The issue was discussed during a meeting between Mr Lamont and Chief Inspector David Rourke of Police Scotland on 30 July.

Borders MP John Lamont said: "More and more people are contacting me in frustration about persistent cannabis use in neighbouring properties.

"Nobody should have to put up with the smell of cannabis drifting into their home day after day with little prospect of the problem being resolved.

"I support Police Scotland's efforts to target resources at those involved in the supply of illegal drugs but this issue should not be overlooked.

"I have written to the Lord Advocate to ask for more focus to be put on addressing the impact cannabis use is having on communities.

"I hope this issue can be given further consideration so that residents have greater confidence that their concerns are being heard and acted upon."

Picture: John with Chief Inspector David Rourke.

29/07/2026

I met Stephen Flynn MSP today in his capacity as Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport.

I raised several pressing issues affecting people and businesses across the Borders, including the statutory food cap, dualling the A1 and the impact of non-domestic rates revaluation on local businesses.

I also challenged the Scottish Government’s opposition to future oil and gas drilling in the North East and pressed for clarity on what it means by a “green data centre”.

I made clear that I will continue pushing the Scottish Government for answers and action on these important issues.

29/07/2026

Fire chiefs have promised to keep the service in Hawick "under review" following a meeting at Hawick Fire Station with local MP John Lamont MP and Rachael Hamilton for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire.

The meeting, held yesterday, was attended by Assistant Chief Fire Officer David Farries, alongside Chairman of Hawick Community Council, Cameron Knox, and Hon Provost Cllr, Clair Ramage.

On Monday, John Lamont MP also met with the Scottish Chief Fire Officer, Stuart Stevens, and Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Chair, Mhairi Wylie.

The discussions focused on the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service's decision to downgrade Hawick Fire Station from full-time, 24-hour cover to daytime-only provision and the potential impact on the town and surrounding communities.

Mr Farries confirmed that the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service will continue to monitor the arrangements in Hawick and, should there be any detrimental changes to the level of service being provided, the organisation would reconsider the provision at the fire station.

Borders MP John Lamont said: "I was extremely disappointed when the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service pressed ahead with downgrading Hawick Fire Station from full-time, 24-hour cover to daytime-only provision.

"Full fire service provision in Hawick should have continued and these cuts could put lives at risk, particularly with major new developments planned for the area.

"While I remain opposed to the decision that has been taken, I welcome the assurance from the fire service that the situation will be kept under review and that the service will reconsider the arrangements if the situation changes.

"I also sought assurances that firefighters would not be “gagged” if they want to raise concerns about how the new service is operating."

Borders MSP Rachael Hamilton said: "Hawick Fire Station should never have been downgraded, and whilst no plans are currently in place, I was pleased to learn that the future changes will be monitored closely and regular reviews will be conducted if risks are identified.

"I expect community safety to be put first. Local people deserve confidence that they will receive the emergency response they need when they need it most, which requires a 24/7 service in Hawick.

"I am also concerned about the timeline for the removal of RAC and the implications this will have for Hawick Fire Station. Behind all of these decisions, we have brave firefighters who risk their lives to save others. The future of their jobs is also a key factor in making sure that the service is properly funded by the SNP.

"We will continue to hold the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to account and ensure that any impact from these changes is fully considered."

Pictured are Chairman of Hawick Community Council, Cameron Knox, Hon Provost Cllr, Clair Ramage, Rachael Hamilton MSP and John Lamont MP.

28/07/2026

Yesterday, we were delighted to welcome John Lamont MP to McDonald’s Galashiels.

During his visit, we showcased our recent £1.1 million investment, which has transformed the restaurant into a modern, welcoming space for both our customers and our people. It was a fantastic opportunity to highlight the positive impact this investment has had on the experience we provide every day.

Our team thoroughly enjoyed meeting John and sharing how McDonald’s Galashiels continues to create opportunities, support local employment, and make a real, lasting contribution to the Scottish Borders community.

Thank you for taking the time to visit us, John!

24/07/2026