'LAST week Theresa May made her second major speech on Brexit following her move into Downing Street. In it she detailed her Government’s approach to triggering Article 50 and the negotiations that will follow.

The Prime Minister confirmed, in what was one of the worst kept secret in politics, that partial single market access or a one-foot-in-one-foot-out solution wasn’t possible for the UK. In it she confirmed that the UK will remain a strong ally of Europe whilst also calling for an equal and fair relationship with the EU.

The Scottish Government’s response to this speech was predictable. However, the First Minister would do well to remember the views of the one million Scots who voted for a new deal with the EU and the substantial numbers within her own party who backed leave. What is clear, is that the threat of a second Independence Referendum is harming business confidence and looming like a dark cloud over Scotland. Official data this week has shown that economic growth in Scotland is only a third of that in the rest of the UK- which is facing the same Brexit forces. The Federation of Small Businesses in Scotland have confirmed that business confidence is also lagging behind the rest of the UK. Added to this mix are unemployment stats showing more people out of work, per capita, in Scotland compared to the rest of the UK. Nicola Sturgeon can only blame the Brexit-bogeyman for so long before people get tired. We need a Government that faces up to the challenges presented by our exit from the EU and one that is focused on supporting families in taxation and backing businesses to grow, so far this hasn’t been the case.

Ultimately, there will be challenges but equally there will be significant opportunities. In Scotland this can be evidenced by the hugely positive figures coming from the tourism industry. According to official statistics spending by North American tourists was up by 28% last year, which included four months’ post Brexit. This substantial increase can be linked to the now preferential exchange rate enjoyed by American visitors. Whilst less advantageous for Brits abroad the current exchange rate is not only proving a lure to visitors but also encouraging them to spend more when they are here. In Fife, with its rich history, great culture and world class golf courses, this could prove to be hugely beneficial for local job creation and economic growth. These examples serve to remind us of the possibilities for Scotland once we leave the EU and I would call on all of Scotland’s governments to work together to deliver the best possible deal.

As ever I welcome the feedback of constituents and can be contacted via the new office in Dunfermline, which opened on Monday'.