I hold open surgeries in Grantown on Spey, Aviemore and Kingussie at regular intervals. No appointments are necessary for these sessions, but if you wish to discuss any issues with me at any time, please write, phone or email. I am happy to meet with individual constituents on a one to one basis at any time and can visit you at your home - or anywhere else appropriate - at a time convenient to you.

Surgery details for May are currently being finalised - check back soon for details.

A Special Note on Planning Issues
Please note that there are special rules concerning discussion of planning applications for councillors who are members of either the Council or the National Park's planning committees, which apply to me in both instances. In essence, members of these committees are not permitted to express an opinion of any kind in relation to any planning application or potential planning application until such time as the relevant committee determines the application. This is to ensure that members approach each application with an open mind, hear all of the arguments from each side of the application, and come to a balanced and lawful decision. This does not mean that we cannot listen to any representation that any constituent or applicant wishes to make.

I am, and always will be, free to hear whatever you wish to say, or read whatever you wish to send me - provided that I do not comment - although I can ask questions. In some circumstances, where there is particular controversy or complexity, it may prove essential to have a planning officer present at any meeting, but this is normally not essential.

The most important things to remember are :
1. Of course you can write to councillors about planning issues - and you are always free to do so - either by post or by email.
2. Certainly, you can telephone us about planning issues - though telephone calls may seem to be somewhat one-sided due to the constraints we operate under.
3. Of course you can ask for a meeting about a planning issue - but if you represent a group or organisation, or wish to meet as a group, you must make this clear at the time as we may need to consult planning officers before arranging a meeting.
4. We are able to ask you questions if we feel we need to explore any issue further - this often helps us to understand the problem better - but we can't comment on what you say, or on the answers you may give to any questions.