I WANT to start my column by mentioning the horrific attack that took place outside Westminster last week. 

Such cowardly attacks can make people stronger, and that is what appears to be happening. 

The reaction of the general public and emergency services proved the vast majority of people dismiss this type of callous act, and they will not be crushed by fear. 

I would like to pay my respects to those who lost their lives and reiterate that my thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.
 

I am invited to numerous events and cross party groups every week. Yesterday I attended the cross party group (CPG) on Malawi. 

You may ask what Malawi has in common with Inverclyde? There are 15 schools here paired with 13 schools in the African country. 

Historically, Scotland has a strong bond with Malawi and this continues today. I believe its hugely beneficial for our young people to link up with and learn from, and educate, their peers in other countries.

On Monday, I attended the second meeting of the newly-formed Port Glasgow West Community Council. All those involved deserve great credit for re-establishing the community council, although an association had previously been in existence. 

One subject raised was local bus services and the SPT MyBus service. It was felt that there should be more publicity about the SPT MyBus service.

It is a bookable bus service offering door-to-door transport.

MyBus will pick you up and drop you off as close as possible to your destination and all vehicles are low-floor and wheelchair friendly. For more information, call 0845 125 9812 or 0141 352 5572.

Last Thursday I was a speaker at the Sail Scotland Marine Tourism Conference in The Beacon Arts Centre, pictured. As readers may know, I chair the CPG on Recreational Boating and Marine Tourism.

At the conference, I was able to highlight what marine tourism means to Inverclyde. Last year the event was in the Chartroom at Kip Marina.

This proves that Inverclyde is a location of choice for some events and this market can grow. Thanks to everyone at Sail Scotland for organising the conference.

Last week the Scottish Government announced that 2020 will be the year of Coast and Waters. 

This is another of the themed years to help market and promote Scotland. 

My CPG lobbied the Cabinet Secretary and we are delighted with the news. It’s an exciting opportunity for all of Inverclyde’s tourism businesses to help promote themselves and the area.

On Tuesday, we voted by 69 to 59 to mandate the Scottish Government to take forward discussions with the UK Government for a referendum on Scottish independence. 

I spoke in the debate and was pleased with the outcome. 
The circumstances facing Scotland are different from the situation in 2014 and I would like the electorate to have their say. 

All eyes will now be on the UK Government to grant the power to the Scottish Parliament.