While this past week may have seen more chaos at Westminster, here in Renfrewshire South and through at the Scottish Parliament, I’ve been getting on with the job.
Last Saturday, I started the day knocking on doors in Lochwinnoch with local SNP representative Cllr Emma Rodden and Cllr Jacqueline Cameron.
On Saturday evening, I joined a candlelit walk through the streets of Barrhead to raise awareness for mental health. The event was organised by local mental health group, Lean on Me, who I have been supporting over the past year. It was an honour to be asked to speak at the reception following the walk.
Sunday opened with a meeting of the Renfrewshire South Constituency Association Executive in Barrhead. Following on from the successful coffee morning in Johnstone, planning is underway for future events and constituency wide campaigning. Later, on Sunday, I was in Johnstone for a meeting of the Johnstone and Elderslie Branch.
I started the day on Monday with my regular supermarket surgery in Barrhead. Later in the afternoon I worked my way through casework and correspondence before heading through to Edinburgh.
Tuesday began, as always, with DPLR committee. Much of the day was spent working through correspondence and briefings, however I took the opportunity to meet with Scottish Hazards, who campaign to improve workplace safety. Later that day I gave an interview to French media on Brexit and Independence.
On Wednesday I unexpectedly found myself with a free morning, following a late cancellation of the scheduled meeting of the Finance and Constitution Committee. I took the opportunity to work my way through my never ending “to do” list as well as participate in some online engagement in my lesser known capacity as the species champion for the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish! In the afternoon I was duty whip where Parliament voted overwhelmingly for the repeal of Article 50.
Thursday was spent working through correspondence and catching up on some briefings. In the evening I was delighted to make it back to the constituency in time for the Barrhead, Neilston and Uplawmoor Branch meeting where we had an extended discussion about Brexit and related matters.
Today I was in the constituency office, catching up with staff on casework, before heading to the the Renfrewshire Carer’s Centre for their rebranding launch. The Carer’s Centre is a vital resource for carers in Renfrewshire and I’m proud to support them.
