THE wait is nearly over. It seems to happen every year that the countdown to Christmas is suddenly upon us but the final few days seem to drag by – particularly for the children.

The Christmas lights in Inverclyde’s towns and villages have been switched on, Christmas trees have been put up in homes across the area and excitement really is starting to build.

Now we are just over a week away, no doubt rushing about making last minute preparations for the big day itself or looking for that last minute gift for a friend or loved one.

It is a wonderful time of year to spend time with others and to enjoy the festivities.

But it can also be a difficult time of year for some people and for a variety of reasons.

I would urge you all to take the time to think about someone who may be on their own for the first time in many years or who is struggling with money or perhaps ill health.

Every year the Council through the Health and Social Care Partnership promote the Choose Life initiative which urges people to talk about their feelings and to help save lives by bringing suicide out into the open over Christmas.

People should look out for signs someone they know might be feeling suicidal and to invite that person to talk to them about how they are feeling and – most importantly – ask them directly if they are feeling suicidal.

We should also spare a thought and offer our gratitude for the dedication and commitment of people who are working over the Christmas period delivering vital services to the communities that count on them.

2015 has been another eventful year in Inverclyde. Record numbers of cruise ship passengers have been welcomed, new schools have been completed and opened and the council continues to invest heavily in our roads, schools and leisure facilities.

As always it is an honour and a privilege to serve you as Provost and to represent Inverclyde and I hope over the past year I have done all that I can to champion the area and its people.

I hope you all have a pleasant and a peaceful Christmas wherever you are, whether you stay at home or venture beyond Inverclyde.