Out and about

They say a change is as good as a holiday and I certainly found that to be the case last week.

The Parliament was in recess so I was spared the journey along the M8 and instead got to spend the full week back here in the constituency.

The week got off to a good start with a visit to the Inverclyde Carers’ Centre, where I met with more than a dozen local carers.

Respite care and benefit support was high on the agenda and the message was clear – while there has been much progress in supporting our carers, more has to be done.

St Gabriel’s Primary was my next stop on Tuesday for what was a fun afternoon that carried an important message.

Ex-footballer Derek Ferguson, brother of Scotland captain Barry, was holding a Show Racism the Red card workshop and he got a great response from the pupils.

On Wednesday, I was invited to Wellpark Mid Kirk to meet with the epilepsy support group there.

Being a member of the Parliament’s cross-party group on epilepsy, I have a keen interest in this area and had a good meeting with the local group

Thursday brought a mixture of young and old, as I dropped into both Abbeyfield Sheltered Housing and then Cedars School of Excellence.

Friday I got to mix with the great and the good as the Princess Royal opened the new Inverclyde Academy.

Despite their own personal challenges, many of the people I met last week remain determined to make life better for themselves and for others in the Inverclyde community.

As a result of their enthusiasm, I head back to Edinburgh this week with renewed vigour for the session ahead.