Born in 1946 and brought up in Cupar, Fife, I was educated at the local school - 
A water company has announced it will help house builders by delaying the point at which connection charges are payable.
The move by Scottish Water aims to ease the financial burden on developers during this present economic climate.
At present, house builders have to pay their connection charges at an early stage of development and before any houses are sold.
From July 1, developers will not have to make a payment until they require their first connection.
Infrastructure Minister Stewart Stevenson said in a statement: "Scottish Water has continued to deliver for developers in recent years, by creating new capacity in its assets across Scotland.
"This very welcome announcement will help developers' cash flows and build our efforts to support house building and protect jobs during these challenging economic times."
Ronnie Mercer, chair of Scottish Water, said: "We are pleased to be able to make this positive change. New homes and new customers are also good for Scottish Water.
"We are working with communities, developers and local authorities the length and breadth of Scotland to meet their needs and deliver tangible benefits through investment in clearer, fresher drinking water projects and initiatives which help protect our natural environment and deliver the additional capacity which allows communities to prosper and grow."
Karen Adam is now the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast
