LAST week, I spoke in two debates: one on short term lets and the other on Scottish football.

I also hosted Optometry Scotland’s parliamentary exhibition highlighting the importance of free eye exams in Scotland, which you are entitled to every two years.

I would encourage everyone to get in touch with your optician to get your eyes tested if it’s been over two years.

The technology available now means this isn’t just about checking your sight – it can detect other health conditions too.

I also hosted the two shop stewards from Ferguson Marine.

First, they had a session with MSPs before meeting both the First Minister and the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy.

This was to highlight various issues but crucially how the workforce has the skills and the expertise to make the yard a success.

I wholeheartedly agree with them, and the shop stewards know that I am fully behind them and our yard.

The Scottish Government also made two major announcements last week. Firstly, the Lord Advocate announced that it would not be in the public interest for people using a pilot Safer Drug Consumption room to face prosecution for possession. This in effect will allow for one of these facilities to open in Glasgow to help people with drug dependency.

Secondly, the Government confirmed that the ScotRail Peak Fares Removal Pilot will operate between 2 October 2023 and 29 March 2024. It will be funded by the Scottish Government to make public transport more accessible and affordable and encourage people to ditch the car and travel by train. I welcome this and know it will help local constituents. I am sure it will help the bus network with fewer cars on the road too.