I THINK we can all agree spring is finally here – and what a welcome change it is.

The mornings are lighter, the days longer and my diary is rapidly filling up with all of the exciting events I get to attend in my role as Provost.

On Saturday, I was delighted to return to Port Glasgow’s annual Bulb Show. Year on year we see the care and effort residents of Inverclyde put into in the wonderful displays of plants, paintings, handicrafts and foods and I can confirm that this year was no different. Judges George Irvine and Ken Thomson had their work cut out choosing the most dazzling daffodils and terrific tulips.

I would like to thank Parklea Branching Out for their efforts in pulling together all the entries, the local groups who manned the stalls, May Hughes’ wonderful dancers and, of course, everyone who entered.

************************************* THIS week I was honoured to be asked to formally unveil the refurbished John Galt memorial fountain and bust on Greenock’s Esplanade.

The public realm improvement project was undertaken on behalf of Inverclyde Local Tourism Partnership. It included the commissioning of a replacement bust for the fountain as well as cleaning.

The masterpiece has been restored to its former glory commemorating the life of the renowned novelist and is a fantastic piece of work by sculptor Wayne Dearnell. I am sure it will be well received by locals and visitors alike.

************************************ I CAN never tire praising the achievements, attitude and abilities of our young people in Inverclyde. Today, pupils from all of our secondary schools are staging the first ever health and well-being conference to help us plan for the future of the area.

#ClydeConversations has been planned and organised by the young people to discuss how we map-out the future shape of health and well-being in Inverclyde.

The conference comes in the wake of a survey which saw an unprecedented 83 per cent from secondary school pupils participate – a clear indication of just how engaged they are with what is happening in Inverclyde and the issues that affect them.

For them to go on and arrange a conference – bringing partners, communities and public services together – shows just how positive and constructive their approach is.