I DON'T know about you but I have been thoroughly enjoying the fabulous weather we have had in Inverclyde in recent weeks.

In fact, on at least one occasion, we had better weather than popular holiday hotspots such as Ibiza!

The sunshine could not have come at a better time for the thousands of children and young people making the most of six weeks of freedom from the classroom on their summer holidays.

We are fortunate in Inverclyde to have plenty to keep them occupied. There is the summer reading challenge being run by the libraries and, for those looking to burn off some energy, Active Schools are involved in a wide range of sports camps for football, athletics, rugby, dance and hockey.

Of course this is a summer of sport to be celebrated across the whole of Scotland. In September Gleneagles plays host to the Ryder Cup for the first time in nearly 40 years – with the competition returning to its roots and the very place it started 93 years ago.

And of course, in just two weeks’ time, Glasgow plays host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting young sailors from Craigmarloch School who took part in a 17-mile race up the River Clyde.

‘Race2 the Games’ was an accessible sailing boat race for people with additional support needs organised by Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park. Part of the Year of Homecoming Scotland 2014 celebrations, it was also a chance for competitors to be part of the Glasgow 2014 Games themselves.

I was given the honour of waving the starting flag at the James Watt Dock as 13 little sailing boats headed out onto the choppy open waters of the river, pictured.

By the time the boats reached Glasgow, there was a large crowd of sponsors, supporters, friends and families at the science centre to cheer them over the line.

It was a memorable day for everyone involved and I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation to the organisers, competitors and supporters.

The momentum towards Glasgow 2014 is continuing to build as Inverclyde prepares to play host to the Queen’s Baton Relay next week.

I am very much looking forward to the official handover of the baton – in the middle of the Clyde – on Monday and I hope as many people as possible will turn out to cheer the relay runners on as they put Inverclyde firmly on the Commonwealth map.