Last week, I received the astonishing news that I have been sanctioned by Putin and the Kremlin.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the reason given for my sanction is because I have apparently been spreading ‘Russophobic hysteria’ and for taking a ‘most active part in the establishment of anti-Russian sanctions instruments in London’.

Borderers needn’t worry. I will not be cowed by these sanctions. Nor will I stop speaking out against his invasion or stop supporting heavy sanctions imposed on his regime. To be honest, I see it as a badge of honour and a sign that the UK is doing the right thing.

This Thursday 5th May, you have the opportunity to vote for who will represent your local area on Scottish Borders Council. This should be about repairing our roads, investing in local schools, ensuring our area gets a fair deal on government funding, and all the other priorities people have for their communities.

But sadly, the SNP are up to their old tricks. Just last week, Nicola Sturgeon said it was her ‘duty’ to fight for independence at these council elections and that every SNP council or councillor elected will support her plans for another referendum.

Don't give them the green light to sow even more division across Scotland. Similarly, do not let them continue to cut our local council's budget to the bone by electing SNP councillors who will kowtow to their masters in Edinburgh.

Vote Scottish Conservative & Unionist this Thursday in your local area.