It’s Great to be Back in Business and Continue the Renfrewshire Revival

With the excitement of the election over, it’s been great getting back to business in the Scottish Parliament again.

Being re-elected as your MSP for Paisley North is a tremendous honour.

I am looking forward to championing the issues that matter to you in the Parliament over the next 4 years. I am also relishing my new role as Shadow Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth. Taxpayers deserve value for money – and I will be working hard to make sure they get it. Locally, my priorities are to ensure the regeneration of Renfrewshire continues apace. Over the last few years, the area has benefited from 10 new schools, hundreds of new homes and better retail and leisure facilities. However, there is still much to do. Paisley desperately needs a new town centre and I will be working hard with other local representatives to make sure this is delivered as quickly as possible. In Renfrew, my top priority is to ensure work begins on the new health centre later this year. In Linwood, my goal is the speedy regeneration of the town centre, which will bring 300 jobs, a new supermarket and community centre to the town. These measures will help to continue Renfrewshire’s revival and make the region one of the best places to live, work and play in the country. LOCAL GROUPS HIT THE JACKPOT I was delighted to learn a number of local organisations have recently been awarded lottery cash. Kirklandneuk Primary in Renfrew was among the winners of the Big Lottery Funds Awards for All. The school scooped £7500 to buy new equipment, including a printer, digital cameras and arts and craft materials. Whitehaugh Tenant’sand Residents’ Association received almost £9000to be spent on painting and decorating, replacement windows and tables and chairs.

The Turkish and Ethnic Minority Centre banked £8500 to help cover a range of costs, including training and office equipment.

Hillview Nursery Parents Management Committee scooped £8000 to put towards painting material, labour costs and replacement astro turf. The Renfrew Amateur Radio Society is also in line for new equipment after receiving £3000. This funding will make a real difference to educational, cultural and heritage groups in the area. I urge all local organisations to investigate their eligibility for lottery funding by visiting www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/scotland. HILLINGTON HARVESTER I recently had the pleasure of helping to launch the new Harvester restaurant in Hillington. In addition to its commitment to good food, the restaurant is also keen to support local charities. Management and staff celebrated the opening by kindly donating £500 to a charity of my choice. The money will go to the Star Project to help them to continue the sterling work they do with families and young people in the Shortroods community.