As we approach the Christmas season, I am conscious that for most of us, Christmas is a time of joy when we meet with family and friends and celebrate with them, but for many people, Christmas can be difficult, with money pressures or family difficulties coming to the fore.
That is why the work of Men Matter in Drumchapel is so important.
I was delighted to visit the project again last month and to hear about their ongoing work supporting men and families, improving men’s quality of life and their mental and physical health.
I was pleased to be able to recognise their work in parliament and to be able to commend the efforts of local man Ian Sproull, who raised more than £1000 for the charity by completing ten marathons in ten days—a feat achieved by less than one hundred people.
An exhibition has recently been held in Drumchapel Library to show the plans for the regeneration of the Drumchapel local town centre area.
More than £14 million of funding will be invested to improve road layout and pavements, as well as pedestrian crossings, which will make it easier for people to move around the area.
In addition, Garscadden House will become a community hub with a library and community space and improved landscaping.
Relocating the library will free up land for new housing.
Regeneration will start in early 2026, with the refurbishment of the Pavilion in Drumchapel Park, from which two local organisations, Drumhub and Drumchapel Cycle Hub, will run a community cafe and bicycle workshop.
There will also be bicycle training on new cycle paths, to be created on the disused bowling greens, and improvements to the children’s play area.
I am looking forward to watching the progress of what I hope will be a real improvement to the centre of Drumchapel, and the catalyst for further regeneration, including the construction of much-needed new housing, including larger family homes.
UK Parliament week (UKPW) took place from November 24 to 30, and I was delighted that a number of schools and youth organisations across the communities of Glasgow West took part.
UKPW is a fantastic way for young people to find out how parliament works, how they can get involved, and what the life of an MP is like.
It was great to be able to visit Notre Dame High School and Knightswood Primary School, to chat with pupils and to answer their questions.
It was a real pleasure to speak with young people, who were so knowledgeable and interested in parliament and to answer their challenging questions.
In closing, may I take this opportunity to wish the staff and readers of the Clydebank Post a very happy and prosperous Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
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