Death is still a taboo subject and as a young student nurse I soon learnt that we addressed it in polite hushed tones and whispered in horror if someone suggested they didn’t want to live. Life is precious we would tell them, you must find the silver lining and fight to survive.

From philosophers like Sidney Hook who say that “teachers are the heart of the educational system” to data driven pioneers like Bill Gates who argues that evidence dictates “it is more important to get [your child] assigned to a great teacher than a great school.” It is clear that the role that a

“Am I allowed to say that?”

I don’t know about you, but this is a question I’m asking myself more and more each day. As an elected representative, I need to be careful about what I say but I’m finding that this is becoming the case in my private life as well.

The Scottish Government has come under fire after it has emerged that it does not know how many people have been effected by the delays and cancellations on the Borders Railway.

Figures released by the Scottish Government have highlighted that youth employment in Midlothian have decreased dramatically over the last decade.

Last week, Michelle Ballantyne MSP asked the Scottish Government for assurances over appointment bookings at Tranent Medical Practise.

Michelle Ballantyne, MSP for South Scotland, is urging all  pensioners to check whether they are eligible to claim pension credit.

 Michelle Ballantyne MSP is backing a charity’s call for local people to volunteer for a service supporting older veterans whose lives have been affected by hearing loss.

Michelle Ballantyne MSP has expressed her concerns regarding the Scottish Government’s inaction regarding support for teachers.

Figures from a new report from Audit Scotland has highlighted significant challenges for Scottish Borders Council including deprivation and core funding.