BY the time you read this you will have had the Easter break. 

For many readers, it is the most important time in the Christian calendar and is a chance for families to get together. 

Obviously for many children, it’s the sight of all the chocolate that’s on offer. 

I read online that the average child in the UK gets eight Easter Eggs. I don’t know about you but that fills me with dread thinking about that level of consumption, particularly as Scotland already has health issues involving diabetes and obesity.

The commercial aspect of religious festivals doesn’t always have a positive effect on our health and can actually reduce the meaning of the festival.


Parliament returns this week and I’m looking forward to getting back. 

There is plenty of activity going on with the Delegated Powers Committee of which I am Deputy Convener scrutinising legislation, the Justice Committee beginning the process of scrutinising the Domestic Violence (Scotland) Bill and the Local Government Committee beginning an inquiry into the City Deals. 

As Tele readers will know, Inverclyde is to obtain three projects from the Glasgow and Clyde Valley City Deal. I will be paying particular attention to this inquiry.


The council elections are on May 4 and today is the last day to register to vote. 

Locally 22 councillors will be elected to run our services. 
Contact the Renfrewshire Valuation Joint Board on 0300 300 0150 or email ero@renfrewshire-vjb.gov.uk or go to www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to register.