I SEEM to be making a habit of seeing double these days!

Last week I had the pleasure of meeting nearly all of the 15 sets of twins starting primary school in Inverclyde for the very first time — a record year for sets of siblings, pictured.

As always on these occasions you are struck by the excitement and anticipation of the children as they prepare to set out on their school careers eagerly looking forward to the prospect of learning and making new friends.

This is a time of year for new starts and new beginnings for our children and young people — be it a new school, new class, new subjects or moving on to university, college or a new job.

The work our schools and educational establishments do can never be underestimated. It is a huge responsibility for the council and the education authority to lead our children and young people along the path to a successful career and to achieve their potential in their adult lives.

We all know how uncertain life can be and that today a job rarely — if ever — is for life. The sad news last week about the Ferguson shipyard in Port Glasgow calling in the receivers was a stark reminder of how a 100-year-old company embodying all of the proud and professional experience of Clyde shipbuilding is vulnerable.

I know the council is working hard with everyone involved to save the yard and the jobs of staff affected by the decision.

Their unenviable decision confirms in my mind how important it is that we give our children and young people the best education we possibly can, but also to inspire and enthuse them to be the best they can possibly be.

I was delighted to hear that a record number of young people — 16 in total — secured jobs from local organisations and businesses at the grand finale of Inverclyde Council’s Recruit Programme.

All were selected on their overall performance, attitude, potential, personal drive, determination and employability skills across a four month programme of challenges and activities. As well as achieving their own personal goals they also managed to raise a record £12,000 for Ardgowan Hospice.

The Recruit is an excellent model for how young people can both challenge themselves and develop their personalities and professional qualities.

I believe education is not just about academic success. It is about producing rounded, thoughtful individuals with the capacity to put their knowledge and experience into practice but also to continue that learning process in life.