by Martin Docherty-Hughes MP

As the schools return from the summer break I’d like to take this opportunity to wish pupils across West Dunbartonshire all the best for the year ahead.

For those attending primary or secondary school for the first time the coming weeks will be very exciting settling into new surroundings and forging new friendships that may last a lifetime.

I’d also like to congratulate everyone who received their SQA exam results recently. It can be a nerve-wracking time waiting for that text, email or envelope to arrive, but hopefully all the hard work over the past year has paid off.

It was fantastic to see West Dunbartonshire pupils achieve their best ever higher exam results since the introduction of the new national qualifications. A record 79 per cent of S5 pupils received a higher qualification – continuing the trend of improving results across our schools.

I was particularly pleased to see improved pass rates for modern studies at both Clydebank High and St Peter the Apostle High.

Despite being dyslexic and leaving school at 16 with no qualifications, I took the opportunity to enrol in a college course before going on to university and earning a master’s degree.

Whatever position you find yourself in, there are always opportunities to take that positive next step. Whether it be an apprenticeship, employment, volunteering or taking a place at college or university – there are plenty of options to consider.

West Dunbartonshire is home to fantastic schools, and I always feel inspired after meeting our hardworking teachers and pupils. During a visit to one local school, I was delighted to see pupils doing “the daily mile”.

The benefits of exercise to physical and mental health are well known, but this simple addition to the daily school routine has been shown to have a positive impact on learning and attainment levels.

It’s inspired me to take up running again, so I’ve signed up to do my first ever half marathon. I can’t guarantee I’ll be able keep up with some of the younger runners, but I hope to raise as much money as possible for Clydebank-based charity, the Carers of West Dunbartonshire.

If you’d like to sponsor me, visit justgiving.com/fundraising/martin-docherty-hughes.