Douglas's constituency contains Crossgates, Hill of Beath and Moss-side.

Citizen’s advice

'Where do you turn when faced with a difficult issue? Your benefits may have been stopped, you may have received a questionable rates bill, or be having trouble with your landlord. Thankfully, Citizen’s Advice is there to help. This Friday, Citizens Advice and Rights Fife (CARF) host a showcase of its work at the Lochgelly Centre. It has been offering independent help to our community for 20 years. Often, we just need to be pointed in the right direction or given a clear explanation on what may appear a complicated issue. That’s what they do so well. Your nearest CARF is at 322 High Street in Cowdenbeath. Visit www.cas.org.uk to find out more.

Hair care

Hair loss from alopecia, or as a result of chemotherapy, can hit people’s confidence hard. Top Dunfermline stylist, Dougie Barr, is helping combat this. He runs a service from the Sheds salon in Dunfermline that provides a wig styling service. The quality of these hair pieces is quite incredible - and Dougie’s styling and caring approach is second to none. That’s why the service is proving so popular. If you know of someone in the Central Fife area who might benefit, please visit shedshairdressing.co.uk and click the ‘My New Hair’ tab. You can even view a video about the service on my Facebook to find out more.

Nursery rates

Good news - nurseries in Central Fife and across Scotland will be fully exempt from business rates. 100 per cent full relief. This is the first relief of its kind anywhere in the UK. This again demonstrates the SNP Government’s ongoing commitment in Scotland to education and childcare. This is just one of the recent changes announced in our business rates system to make Scotland a more competitive country, attracting more investment for our local economies. I popped into the Lauriston Nursery recently for a visit and spoke to director Amber Brackley. She said: “Saving thousands of pounds a month means that we can invest further in our staff and the resources for the children in our care. Rates exemptions for day nurseries will make an even playing field for all providing early years education.”

Amazon apprentices

I recently met Amazon apprentices at the online giant's Halbeath Centre. I chatted with Corri, Scott, Liam and Gary and heard about the benefits the Amazon apprenticeship programme is bringing to them. They are earning money, enhancing their skills and gaining a qualification - all while learning valuable experience on the job. I was impressed with the team’s commitment to enhance their contribution to the local community, either through voluntary work, donations to groups and hosting opportunities to tour their massive operation in Fife'.