CHRISTMAS gives us time to reflect. Time to reflect on the year just past and look to the one that lies ahead.

It has been another challenging year with the cost of living crisis affecting families, businesses, and other organisations, including councils.

However, there is also much to be proud of during 2023 and exciting times ahead in the new year.

In 2023, we saw the launch of the new Greenock Ocean Terminal visitor centre and marked the completion of the council’s unprecedented £270m schools estate programme with the reopening of Gourock Primary – the last school to be refurbished or rebuilt.

It was also in 2023 that Inverclyde became the first council area in Scotland to rollout universal free school meals for all primary pupils and the council’s Warm Hand of Friendship initiative returned for a second consecutive year.

The council secured £40m of UK Government funding to transform Greenock Town Centre.

Work will start next year on the first of those projects, as well as on the redevelopment of West Blackhall Street, and further improvements are planned right across all of Inverclyde’s towns and villages. This is on top of the council’s ongoing support for residents and businesses.

While we don’t have our challenges to seek, I am proud of what was achieved this year and the possibilities for next year. Times are tough but try to reflect on the positives and let’s hope for a brighter future.

Whatever you do this Christmas, I wish you all a happy and peaceful time and all the very best for 2024.

Councillor Stephen McCabe

Leader of Inverclyde Council