AT the outset I want to congratulate more local success. Well done to the Lower Clyde Pipes and Drums for coming 2nd in their Grade at the Gourock Highland Games. 

Playing at home always adds more pressure but well done and good luck to everyone in the band for the competition season.


As Tele readers will know, college lecturers have been on strike across Scotland and both lecturers and students have been adversely effected as a result.

I have had many emails in support of the action from both lecturers and students. My office was also picketed last week when I was in parliament. 

Many points have been raised in the emails so trying to get a full understanding of the core issues has been important. 

One thing that is clear though is that college management need to realise that national bargaining is here to stay. 

This was a manifesto commitment and was delivered by the Scottish Government. 

If college management think national bargaining will disappear they are sorely mistaken.

Discussions between both the EIS/FELA and Colleges Scotland continue and the Deputy First Minister, John Swinney has instructed an independent facilitator to assist. 

For everyone concerned, I hope this intervention is successful.


Finally, I took part in the Disabled People debate in the Chamber last Tuesday. 

To say it wasn’t the finest hour of those Tory MSPs who contributed is an understatement. 

Like many, I was appalled by some of the contributions but unfortunately, not surprised.