It's Gala time and I've been able to get round the various events taking place in East Dunbartonshire. This year the weather has been very kind which means bigger crowds turn out to support the events and hopefully all of the charities and local organisations taking part are able to raise a lot of money for their funds. In the Parliament I was also pleased to host Marie Curie Cancer Care's Blooming Great Tea Party. This is a very worthwhile cause and it was good to meet some of the volunteers from the new hospice at Stobhill Hospital who came through to Edinburgh for the event. I also took part in the Big Fit Walk with some school pupils from the Falkirk area and have resolved to try and get more exercise. That could be on my bike. Parliament has been discussing the Government's Active Travel plans and here in East Dunbartonshire there is a lot going on to encourage people to get back on their bikes. On Sunday June 13 I attended the first Bishopbriggs Bike Festival along with former Miss Scotland Nieve Jennings. The event is the brainchild of local man Mark Kiehlmann who started with a cycle train for youngsters going to St Matthew's Primary School and then expanded from there. Maps will be produced shortly showing safe cycle routes all across the constituency and hopefully that will encourage a lot more people to get on their bikes, me included.

The Labour Party has started the selection procedure to choose a new leader and all five candidates were in Glasgow for a hustings event. I am supporting Ed Miliband as I believe he has all of the attributes needed by the leader of a major political party in the 21st century. He has a real vision of the way he wants to party to be organised going forward that includes a bigger role for the leader of the Labour group in Scotland something to be welcomed. It will be an interesting campaign and we'll be seeing the candidates back in Scotland again in the not too distant future.

Now the General election is over, the new coalition government is formed and the Queen's Speech published we can see what will occupy politicians both in London and Edinburgh for the next few months.

On the General Election itself Labour in East Dunbartonshire did warn the electorate if they voted Lib/Dem they would get Tory but even I did not realise how prophetic that would turn out to be. Although we did not unseat Jo Swinson we made a huge dent in her majority and increased our share of the vote so perhaps better luck next time, whenever that may be.

Clearly the financial situation facing the UK and Scotland is set to dominate and that means as Labour's Deputy Shadow Finance spokesperson I anticipate a busy few months but I am looking forward to the challenge. No-one denies there are tough times ahead caused by the global financial situation but the UK and Scotland are slowly coming out of recession and Labour will be doing all it can to prevent the new Government inflicting unfair policies on the most vulnerable in our society.

In Edinburgh the SNP's spending plans will come under close scrutiny. Now is the time for them to put country before Party and that means difficult decisions on some key spending areas.

I've held the first of my public meetings to discuss my annual report and am looking forward to the other three.

Kirkintilloch High School Friday June 4th at 18:45

Lenzie Academy Monday June 7th at 18:45

Turnbull high School Friday June 11th at 18:45

A busy week ahead. Today (Monday) I had the pleasure of visiting food firm,Macphie of Glenbervie to discuss with them their enlightened attitude towards developing the skills of their workforce. The  company's Director of Human Resources, Sylvia Halkerston is messianic in her belief that every company must invest in training it's workforce. The results are there for all to see. A much happier workforce and a more productive company. Macphie recently took over a firm in Uddingston that previously had a 90 per cent staff turnover rate and none of the production staff had any qualifications. Now the entire staff has been through a training programme and passed and the staff turnover has fallen to less than one per cent. What I learned in Glenbervie will be useful for the debate on skills to be held on Thursday afternoon. However, there's a lot to get through before then. Tuesday I'll be back in Budget talks with John Swinney then at the Finance committee to go through the long list of amendments to the Public Services Reform Bill. Wednesday I'm taking part in a Parliamentary lobby against the SNP's plans to allow Council's to stop publishing public notices in weekly papers. If approved this could be the death knell for papers like the Kirkintilloch Herald and the Milngavie & Bearsden Herald who rely on these notices for a lot of revenue. Those members of the public with no access to or interest in computers would also be disadvantaged if the plan to put all these notices on line goes ahead. I will also be keeping a close eye on the SNP's responses to calls for more information after the weekend revelations that the Scottish Futures Trust and Scottish Water have been in talks about funding structures. Then to round off the week on Friday I'm attending a conference looking at possible spending cuts in local authorities.

It goes without saying that Christmas is a very busy time of the year.  The last week at Holyrood was certainly that. Debates on the Pre Budget Report, the Finance Committee report on the SNP's draft budget and the Home Owner and Debtor (Scotland) Bill all kept me fully occupied. I also enjoyed the Labour Group's Christmas party. Some of my colleagues never cease to amaze with their comic talent. But Christmas is also a time for reflection on the year gone by and perhaps of loved ones lost. Perhaps it's a sign of age but the past year seems to have gone by very quickly. It has certainly been challenging in more ways than one and everyone has been affected in some way by the global recession that has caused so much turmoil both here in Scotland, the UK and around the world. I certainly hope Christmas will provide some welcome cheer to counteract a lot of the bad news that has been around.  There's no doubt 2010 is going to be historic. There's a General Election to be fought and the outcome of that will shape the future for the Scottish Parliament as well. I'm certainly looking forward to spending time with my family during the festive season. I'd also like to take this opportunity to wish all those who take the trouble to read this blog a very Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year.

Can't believe my last entry was back in September. I really have to get to grips with the blog idea and will try to provide regular updates from now on for those interested in what I've been doing.

As you can imagine a lot has happened since the previous entry so I won't go over all of it. My role as Labour's Depute spokesperson for Finance is challenging and will be even more so as we move into 'Budget negotiation' season. I've now also had the Skills portfolio added to my brief, taking over from my colleague John Park MSP.

The Skills agenda is very important to Labour and we are again pushing for the creation of more Modern Apprenticeship places in the Budget for 2010-11.

Around the constituency I've spoken recently at a meeting of St Mary's Parish Church, Women's' Guild in Kirkintilloch where I got a surprise at their sympathetic reaction to Margo Macdonald's assisted suicide proposals. Was also privileged to lay a poppy wreath at the War Memorial in Peel Park, Kirkintilloch on Armistice Sunday to honour those who gave their lives in the defence of democracy.

I attended the annual Kirkintilloch Speakers' Club school speech contest and was very impressed by the quality of the entries. Congratulation to Turnbull High School, Bishopbriggs, who provided the winners in both the junior and senior categories.

Also had a constituency visit from Iain Gray, Labour leader at Holyrood. We went to the ASDA stores in Bearsden where we discussed with the management the company's views on new licensing laws and their training programme for staff.

Sunday, attended the 50th anniversary of the Auchengeigh Mining disaster which claimed 47 lives. Several of the victims were from Strathkelvin & Bearsden. It was a moving ceremony and I was pleased to attend to pay my respects on behalf of the constituency. Later went to Kirkintilloch Bowling Club to support a charity event.

On Monday I talked with the Administrators who are looking after John McGavigan's in Bishopbriggs. They're moving to a closing date on expressions of interest for a trade sale. Hopefully, there will be good news on this front that will enable the company to keep trading and save valuable jobs. Later that morning carried out the official opening of Creative Thread premises at Bogton Farm, Torrance where children with particular needs will be looked after. The company have done a terrific job in transforming the farmhouse into a warm and welcoming facility.

Tuesday took me to Edinburgh where it is committee business. The finance committee are currently looking at the Public Sector Reform Bill. Another string of witnesses appeared to question the proposal to bring a number of bodies with statutory scrutiny powers under the control of Ministers instead of the Parliament. This will continue to cause debate.

Wednesday preparing for the Labour debate on teacher numbers involved communicating with two constituents who are qualified to teach but cannot find a permanent job. This is another hot topic.

Thursday morning took part in the debate called by Labour and highlighted the cases of Jenny Boyle from Lennoxtown who has already featured in the Kirkintilloch Herald and Donald McDonald from Bishopbriggs. Later met with Labour MEP Catherine Stihler to talk about new European proposals that could threaten Scotland's financial services industry.

Friday finds me back in the constituency office dealing with my mail, meeting constituents and in the evening talking with pensioners in two local care homes.

On the 5th July we celebrated the 60th birthday of the NHS. Labour created the NHS back in 1948. It was born in a post-war Britain where healthcare was expensive and unavailable for many ordinary people, and in the face of fierce opposition from the Tories.

For 60 years it’s been by our side, serving us through the most important moments in our lives. The NHS has provided generations of care for us all. It remains Britain’s most cherished public service and the fairest system of healthcare in the world.

Labour’s investment and modernisation has saved the NHS and made it fit for the 21st century. Since 1997, investment in the NHS has trebled to £100 billion. This has paid for 38,000 more doctors, 80,000 more nurses, over a hundred new hospitals, new community health centres and the shortest waiting times since records began.

Sixty years since Labour founded it, Labour remains the party of the NHS because Labour is on the side of hard-working families.

It is now six months since I took my post as your local MSP. My campaign to be elected as the Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency was a long and hard fought campaign. I walked many miles, delivering leaflets, knocking on doors and engaging with the concerns of local people. Now, after a successful campaign and a victory secured, I am more aware of what a profound privilege it is to represent my fellow citizens in the Scottish Parliament. It is also no surprise to see that this is where the hard work really begins.

 

Representing local people is a challenging, but extremely rewarding task. I have already enjoyed some success raising issues and tackling problems that constituents have brought to my attention. Raising matters with your political representatives can make a real difference and I would urge all local people to contact their local councillors or myself when they have. It is my commitment to local people that I will always listen to their concerns and will be a passionate advocate for them. I promised to be visible and accountable and my office at 78 Townhead, Kirkintilloch is very much open for business

 

It is not only in the community that I have been working. I sit on the Economy, Energy and Tourism committee in the Scottish Parliament. I am relishing my position on this most integral of Holyrood committees. I am working to secure the growth and development of a dynamic Scottish economy that rewards the initiative and effort of our country’s workforce. To help guide Scotland towards a secure and sustainable energy policy that respects our environment but meets our society’s needs. Finally, I want a growing tourism Industry that can attract even more of the world’s visitors to admire the beauty of our scenery and enjoy the generosity of the Scottish spirit. And there is no reason why East Dunbartonshire cannot be a key tourist destination.

 

Another highlight was my appointment as Parliamentary aide to, Labour Leader at Holyrood, Wendy Alexander MSP. I believe Wendy Alexander will lead us to being an exceedingly effective opposition at Holyrood. Constructive and contemplative when the time is right, but never shirking our responsibilities to fully hold the SNP administration to account. We will work as hard as a party of opposition as we did as a party of government, creating a Scotland of justice, hope and endeavour. But my main job will always be as MSP for Strathkelvin and Bearsden. I look forward to meeting as many of my constituents as possible in the weeks and months ahead.

At the western side of Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency lies the boundary with the Glasgow Anniesland seat once held by the late First Minister, Donald Dewar.

As I tramped the streets of Westerton district I couldn’t help wondering what my old boss would have made of me seeking election to the Scottish Parliament he did so much to establish.

I like to think he would have been urging me on reminding me what a privilege it is to be elected to represent your fellow citizens in the Scottish parliament.

I know from working with him that Donald never took it for granted that he was going to win an election, even though he had one of the largest majorities in Scotland.

That is why “Team Labour” in Strathkelvin and Bearsden has traversed the entire constituency during the past twelve months visiting parts where they are pleasantly surprised to be meeting a candidate on the doorstep.

As a first time candidate I have found it a very different experience being the focus of the campaign rather than one of the backroom team trying to win victory. It is a tremendous feeling having so many people turning out to work for you and to receive VIP visits from the First Minister, the Education Minister and the Secretary of State for International Development, Hilary Benn

We decided right from the start that we would adopt “Labour listens” as our main strategy. In our leaflets, at the street stalls and knocking on doors we wanted to hear from the electorate about their concerns and priorities before we talked about our policies.

One of the main things coming over loud and clear was that the voters did not believe Strathkelvin and Bearsden was having its voice heard in the Scottish parliament. They had complaints and concerns about transport links, the state of the roads, the fortnightly refuse collection, the decision on where to site new schools being built under a PPP contract, lack of parking near the railway stations, low level youth crime and the decline of the town centres in Kirkintilloch and Bishopbriggs and they did not believe the constituency was being represented on these issues.

My primary aim, if elected, is to give the people their voice back. The Liberal led East Dunbartonshire Council are always complaining about a low settlement from the Scottish Executive but then end up with millions left in their budget, millions that could and should be spent on providing local services.
This constituency does contain many leafy suburbs but there are also pockets of urban deprivation and those who live there are entitled to decent affordable housing, to the opportunity to gain employment or training and to decent community facilities.

I also want to see a real improvement in transport links. There is a myth that everyone living here has a car, if not two. That is certainly true in quite a few parts of the constituency but not so in others.

That it why the development of new park n’ ride facilities at the stations like Lenzie, Bishopbriggs, Westerton and Hillfoots is important. But we also need more frequent buses and better links with the local shops and hospitals.

Improved transport would help Strathkelvin and Bearsden to become more attractive for economic development. There are only a handful of employers with over 100 staff and I would like to see more. There are Brownfield sites in Kirkintilloch, Bishopbriggs, Lennoxtown and even Bearsden that could be developed so that instead of residents heading to Glasgow, or even Edinburgh to work, they could find a good job locally.

Already I’m starting to get calls from people who have received one of my leaflets seeking advice on how to deal with particular problems. Hopefully, it is a taster of what is to come.

My number one pledge to the people of Strathkelvin and Bearsden is that unlike the current MSP, I will open a constituency office and I will be accessible and available to help with their problems and concerns. It would be an honour to be elected as their man in Holyrood.

Donald would have expected nothing less.