I HOPE you all had a happy and peaceful Christmas.

Welcome to my final column of 2023. And what a year it has been.

Challenging, there is no doubt.

Cost of living crisis, inflation, government funding problems, a war in Gaza and one still ongoing in Ukraine (not to mention conflicts in other parts of the world).

That's plenty. There's an argument to say good riddance to 2023 and look ahead with hope and promise for 2024.

But the past year has had plenty of ups that have helped balance out the many downs.

There was the King's coronation. Whether that's your cup of tea or not, it was an historic moment in time and an event that hadn't been witnessed before by the majority of us because it was about 70 years since the last one.

Scotland's men's football team qualified for another major tournament (there's your hope and promise for 2024 right there - bring on Germany!).

And England reached the final of the Women's World Cup but were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Spain who claimed their first World Cup. Women's football really is on the crest of a wave and inspiring many younger (and even some older) generations and long may it continue.

In Inverclyde, we secured £40m of funding to regenerate Greenock town centre across two projects, the brilliant new Ocean Terminal visitor centre opened to cruise passengers and the wider public, and the council completed its unprecedented £270m-plus schools estate programme with the official opening of the refurbished and extended Gourock Primary which was the last building to be either renovated or renewed.

All positive stuff for our area.

I for one have had another packed year of engagements but have thoroughly enjoyed each one and thank-you to the many groups and organisations for having me along. It really is quite inspiring and often humbling to witness first-hand the great work that goes on across this area.

I really am privileged to represent Inverclyde as provost and look forward to the engagements in the diary for the new year, including a celebration of the famous Greenock Morton to mark the club's 150th anniversary. That's no mean feat and all the best to the Ton for the rest of the season.

Another local sporting institution celebrated its landmark 150th anniversary this current calendar year, Greenock Wanderers. A celebratory reception is also planned to mark the Wanderers.

I am also looking forward to seeing two major Greenock town centre projects starting in the new year with the regeneration of West Blackhall Street followed by the first of the two £20m Levelling Up developments. Much-needed investment for Greenock that I'm sure we all welcome.

And those are just some of the many improvements planned for the coming weeks and months for our towns and villages, so much to look forward to.

There's also to be a General Election in 2024. But I'm trying to keep it light so let's not get into that.

So no matter the everyday challenges we have faced and will undoubtedly face, let's try and channel our inner Monty Python and 'Always Look On the Bright Side of Life'. Enjoy the rest of the festive season and all the very best for 2024.