I ATTENDED the cross party group on science and technology recently to be informed that 16 and 12 per cent of academics are EU and non EU nationals respectively.

The Brexit breakfast meeting on Wednesday morning highlighted the challenges facing Scotland and the UK, with a lower growth rate being widely expected after Brexit.

On Wednesday evening I was told by the Royal College of Nurses (RCN) that 33,000 nurses in the NHS are non UK nationals.

On Thursday morning at the European Committee, we were told by the Secretary of State, Rt Hon David Mundell MP, that there will not be a special case for Scotland and there seemed to be some confusion over whether the UK will or will not have continued free trade with the EU.

With the Prime Minister’s office refusing to endorse Mr Mundell’s comment’s, confusion is clearly reigning within the UK Government.

Separately, I welcome the review to take place on fixed odds betting terminals (FOBT’s).

This is long overdue and the person who was successful in getting some powers over these machines into the Scotland Act 2016, this review can hopefully lead to a massive reduction in the stake – or even a complete ban.

I also took part in a debate about the Adopt a Station scheme.

Locally, the Greenock and District Model Railway Club at Fort Matilda and Friends of Wemyss Bay Station have worked wonders.

They deserve to be recognised for their hard work and endeavours in improving these stations.

Well done to all concerned.