THE Pipeathon 2017 is complete, well the first part of it anyway.

A target of £3,000 was set and we have brought in over £4,000 so far. Thank-you everyone for all your support and donations.

Travelling around the country and raising both awareness and funds for the three causes was a bit of a ‘wacky idea’, as a few people suggested to me. They were right, however it was worth it.

Part two is due to happen in September with the auction of the signed tops, balls and match tickets donated by clubs. 

Once again, that money will be split evenly between the three causes. 

Deputy First Minister John Swinney MSP came to Port Glasgow last week. 

He was announcing a £45 million investment towards tackling poverty related attainment for nine local authorities to share. Inverclyde will be receiving over £3.1m.

This additional money from the Scottish Government coming to Inverclyde is welcome and I could see the enthusiasm to make the investment work.

Overall, the Scottish Attainment Challenge is providing £750 million during the course of this parliament to tackle the poverty related attainment gap. 

It prioritises improvements in literacy, numeracy, health and wellbeing of children adversely affected by poverty in Scotland’s primary and secondary schools.

On Friday, I had a meeting with representatives of Transport Scotland to discuss the A8, flooding and condition of trunk roads locally. 

I stressed the importance of access into and out of Inverclyde for our economy and health. Further dialogue will continue.