by Maurice Golden MSP

I FIND myself writing about a familiar topic in another Post column: the state of our roads.

That is why I am hoping politicians from all parties, but particularly the SNP government and the SNP-run council in West Dunbartonshire can back the calls to “Save our Roads”.

The campaign, launched by the Scottish Conservatives, calls for a £100million pothole action fund to be shared across the country’s local authorities to tackle the ever-growing problem of our roads being littered with potholes.

Scotland has more than 150,000 potholes, which is more than Wales, Northern Ireland, the East Midlands and the south east of England combined. The need for urgent action has never been more apparent.

That is why it is time for the SNP government to stop hitting our local authorities with cuts, making it harder for them to put the necessary funding towards our roads.

The proposed £100m pothole action fund is a step in the right direction towards repairing our roads and I call on local SNP MSPs to show their support.

Improvement in schools

I was pleased to see the SNP government’s education secretary John Swinney visit Clydebank High recently to announce £2m worth of funding to help reduce the attainment gap.

We have heard a lot from the SNP government about how education is their top priority but after 11 years in charge, we have yet to see this be the reality.

Across West Dunbartonshire, schools face limited subject choice, with pupils at Clydebank High only having the option of eight advanced Highers, whereas in Bishopbriggs for example, pupils have 17 options.

We must ensure our pupils are given the best start in life, so I will continue to monitor this funding to make sure it supports those who need it most.

Leo is a champion

I encouraged Post readers in my last column to vote for Leo, the four-month old cocker spaniel, who was about to take part in one of the events of the year at Holyrood.

I was delighted Leo emerged victorious in the Holyrood “dog of the year” competition at the end of April, following a rigorous judging process.

The judges certainly seemed to be bowled over by Leo’s cuteness, and I look forward to judging next year’s entrants.