Monday

With the state opening of parliament due to take part tomorrow I delayed my journey south until then. This gave me the opportunity to attend a breakfast meeting on board the Alba Venturer. It is one of two boats owned by the Ocean Youth Trust that are used to offer voyages for young folk during which they face tasks and are presented with opportunities that challenge their skill sets and therefore provide an opportunity to develop and grow.

In the afternoon I met with Stuart McMillan MSP, councillors Armstrong, Jackson and McCormick and representatives from Cloch Housing, Scottish Water and Inverclyde Council. We discussed the broader aspects of flooding in Inverclyde but for the purposes of this meeting we focused on the issues of the Carts Burn flooding Auchmountain Glen and Kilmacolm Road.

Water management is a complicated feat of engineering but it’s one we have been addressing since the early 19th century when the Whinhill Reservoir was built. It would appear that the overflow from that, which goes to the Carts Burn and the overflow from the lagoon is part of the problem. We need to investigate all possibilities to protect our transport system, people’s homes and most importantly keep people safe during the increasing occasions of extreme weather.

Tuesday

Up with the larks and off to Westminster. I arrive in plenty of time for the King’s Speech but given the ridiculous pomp and circumstance I decided to watch it in my office on the television. He looked thoroughly miserable on his gold throne while reading a drab speech written by a billionaire. Maybe it was hard balancing his jewel encrusted crown on his head while telling us all that difficult financial decisions had to be made. He then left in his gold carriage drawn by six white horses and surrounded by forty-eight men on black horses. I had to remind myself it is 2023.

Wednesday

Today, I sponsored an event to raise awareness of the need for medical cannabis on the NHS. The focus is for Bedrolite to be made available free. This medicine can greatly reduce the seizures in children and young adults whose epilepsy has not responded to treatment. I was heartened by the support from members from the SNP, Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats and Greens. This support came from the Commons and the Lords. I then booked a group of parents and patients to deliver a petition to number 10 Downing Street. BBC Scotland were on hand to film the event. Hopefully, we can bring pressure on the U.K. government to fund Bedrolite as it is already used in the UK. but only available privately if the patient can afford the private prescription, which can run into thousands of pounds a month.

I dropped in to talk with Scottish Gas to learn about their schemes to help people facing fuel poverty.

Thursday

I visited Inverclyde Academy to talk about politics, locally and nationally. It was one of my school visits that I do all year round but especially during Parliament Week. It is interesting from my perspective to hear the pupils' views and what influences them. Next visit was Merino care home where I had the privilege to talk with some residents and staff. It is always a humbling experience to be allowed to engage with people in a caring community where the staff are appreciated by the residents and the residents grateful to the staff.

In the afternoon along with Councillor Liz Robertson. I visited St Columba's High in Gourock. Among the topics we discussed were women in politics, Scottish independence, the situation in Palestine, electoral systems and drug use.

Friday

Today, I visited three schools as part of Parliament Week. The day started at Inverclyde Academy which was followed by St Patrick's Primary and Port Glasgow High School.

I also managed to meet with the owners of a local restaurant who have an issue over planning being refused and in the evening I met up with constituents from the towns in Renfrewshire that will become part of the constituency at the next General Election.