IT is a case of battening down the hatches in Inverclyde over the next day or so as the so-called ‘weather bomb’ makes itself felt across the country.

A deep low pressure system is moving slowly eastwards across the Atlantic between Scotland and Iceland, bringing with it very strong winds and exceptionally big waves.

Gales – severe at times – are forecast with unusually high waves and wintry showers, making it pretty miserable for all of us out and about.

Don’t be surprised if there is some local disruption, but also bear in mind the men and women who are braving the elements to keep our roads and railways running, not to mention delivering essential services to people in their own homes.

This is the time of year when we should be thinking about the unsung heroes and heroines who put the needs of others above their own self-interest.

‘They are just doing their job’ I hear some of you say.

True – but where would we be if they decided it was too wet or too cold to venture outside their office or depot?

We come to rely on the professionalism and dedication of our staff and I think too often we take their efforts for granted.

That is why I was delighted to attend the annual Pride of Inverclyde awards last week – where colleagues and customers had nominated the people they felt go above and beyond the call of duty for Inverclyde Council and for Inverclyde Community Health and Care Partnership.

It was an opportunity for all of us to look back and recognise what has been achieved in Inverclyde in the past year and to recognise the efforts of many individuals and teams who have contributed to that success.

I would also like to thank everyone involved in the planning, organisation and arrangements for the spectacular Christmas lights switch-on ceremonies that hundreds of people across Inverclyde enjoyed over the past week.

I had a word with Santa who reassured me his own little helper in Inverclyde – ‘Rach-Elf’ – had been busy for months making sure the events went smoothly.

I know from chatting to people in Clyde Square that they had a great time and the ride in Santa’s sledge, pulled by Rudolph and co, was very much the icing on the Christmas cake.