FOR Scottish politicians, this point in December is a time where our thoughts turn to budgets.

A lot of the tribalism of our politics gets ramped up with party attacking party, priorities being questioned and outrage abounding.

The Scottish Government’s budget was announced yesterday, and so this cycle may continue, as complex decisions are made with limited resource and many priorities for its use.

None of this makes for a naturally Merry Christmas, and I often feel that, in amongst the tribalism and the challenge, we must also seek to ensure that we never scare or worry the people we represent.

The implications of the Scottish budget, for example, on matters such as the very existence of our police station – which is not being removed, but merely moving – should be communicated accurately and without spreading fear.

As the budget is hot off the press, there will be more to say about it in the coming weeks as we work through what it means here in Inverclyde for our public services. Watch this space!

For this, my closing column for 2023, I want to celebrate a particular piece of work undertaken over recent months.

St John’s Church in Gourock, partnering with Alec Galloway and a number of local artists presented an Art and Spirituality exhibition towards the end of November.

This was such a thoughtful and reflective addition to our community this year. Having heard the feedback and comments from visitors and participants alike, it has certainly been a success and had a positive impact on many of the people who shared the experience of the exhibition.

One exhibit in particular holds particular significance for me: a four panelled lightbox, produced in collaboration between Alec and the art teachers and some pupils from Clydeview Academy.

Greenock Telegraph:

This lightbox is now being used as an alternative Advent Candle in Lyle Kirk in Greenock, and complements work done there throughout 2023 by their young people, in preparation for this particular time of year.

The four panels represent families, stigma, refugees, and social justice – each of these being themes that the young people have extracted from the traditional nativity story which they feel to be truly relevant today. These powerful, poignant images, and the story behind them have resonated with people of different faiths and none since they were created.

All of this speaks to that deep strength that I see constantly (and comment on frequently) here in Inverclyde – the connections we make, the way we can work together, the talents we have to share, the beauty that comes from living together in community.

Lyle Kirk, working with Clydeview’s Art Department, connected to Alec Galloway, supported by St John’s, heavily involving young people, highlighting the talents of artists, impacting positively on the people of Inverclyde. That is a decent journey for everyone involved to have travelled together.

In the midst of the politics, the tough decision making, the difficult reality that we try to navigate, it is knowing that we get to realise projects like this – living parables of what is undoubtedly the best of us – that remind me why I do what I do.

So, onward into 2024, seeking to bear hope, not fear, and mindful that social justice matters more today than ever.