IT seems to happen every year.

One minute you are breaking those New Year resolutions and thinking about returning to work; the long, dark evenings and scraping the ice off the car in the mornings – then all of a sudden it is the end of April, officially spring and the prospect of double-figure temperatures and long, sunny days.

So here we are again with the schools back up and running after the Easter break and a packed programme of events over the next couple of months.

Next week I once again will have the honour of hosting Inverclyde’s event to mark International Workers Memorial Day.

It is an opportunity for us to remember workers around the world who are killed in incidents at work or by disease caused by work.

Over 20,000 people die every year because of their work – most because of exposure to dangerous substances. In 2015 the theme for the day is ‘removing exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace’.

It is a sad fact that hazardous substances are still found in the workplace across the UK and many workers have their health affected by asthma, dermatitis, lung disorders and cancers because of exposure.

I would be delighted if you could join me for a short service in Clyde Square in Greenock at 11am next Tuesday.

Two weeks on Sunday, Gourock once again hosts the first Highland Games of the season. Preparations are well underway for another fantastic day of dance, pipers and heavy competitions – and it is also taking part in Scotland’s year of food and drink, and I for one am looking forward to sampling some of the Scottish produce that will be on offer.

May also sees Scottish Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the benefits apprenticeships bring to business and the economy – and not least the opportunities it gives our young people to get a head-start in life. May will also see Port Glasgow play host to the annual Comet Festival – bringing together local groups for a day of fun, friendship and hopefully sunshine.

Speaking of which – enjoy the good weather while it lasts.

As ever, the forecast is for rain, and possibly even snow, at the weekend!