Good news is a bit thin on the ground these days so the recent decision by the Supreme Court to reject insurance companies' attempts to block compensation for people suffering from exposure to asbestos was a breath of fresh air.

I attended the press conference at Holyrood with campaigners from the Clydebank Asbestos Group and was delighted that, after a long fight, they received justice when the court ruled that insurance companies had not been successful in overturning the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament legislation which allowed victims to claim for their injuries.

Although shipyard workers were particularly affected by asbestos, pleural plaques can affect many people.

Teachers, construction workers and many industry workers were exposed to this poison on a daily basis and are suffering the effects.

However, I agree with Bob Dickie, chair of Clydebank Asbestos Group, which represents around 200 pleural plaques victims.

He wants the London Government to match Scotland's commitment to give justice to victims throughout the United Kingdom rather than taking the side of the insurers. Scotland has once again led the way on this issue.

Also good news was the Scottish Government's announcement that they are to give �1m to 58 voluntary groups throughout Scotland to provide respite for an army of unsung heroes - nearly half a million unpaid carers desperately in need of a break.

The Short Breaks Fund will allow carers to relax and take a break from their daily duties - all carried out with love but which often leave them exhausted.

A welcome boost.

Now for the bad news.

There seems to be no end to the appalling situation of fuel poverty and the news that energy companies are making �125 profit out of each and every one of us was shocking.

With winter closing in, something needs to be done - and quickly - to stop more people suffering. Why are we an oil rich country but people can't afford to heat their homes?

But let's end on a high note.

Clydebank firm Labelgraphics have just announced a �5m, 50,000 square feet expansion of their firm in the Business Park, helped by a �3m investment from the Bank of Scotland and Scottish Enterprise. The investment will add 20 jobs to the 100 plus people already employed and the knock-on effect will create employment in other sectors.

Well done to owners Alex and Peter Mulvenny, who employ 80 per cent of their staff from the Clydebank area.

The company is now Scotland's largest independent label printer to the spirits and wine market with worldwide customers. Truly a local success story.

Contact me if you have any issues you feel I can help you with by phoning 0141 952 9677, or emailing gil.paterson@scottish.parliament.uk