I WAS honoured to be involved in the recent announcement of funding for patients at the Beatson Cancer Centre.

This funding will see £9 million from the Scottish Government matched by £9m from Macmillan Cancer Support to improve support across Scotland.

Meeting patients, their relatives, staff and volunteers at the Beatson, I can see the centre and the Glasgow health board are doing a job that is second to none.

This type of investment can make a huge difference to patients’ quality of life during an incredibly difficult time.

Nearer home, an issue facing the Anniesland constituency is the flooding around Rotherwood, Shafton and Wilverton. I’ve been addressing this issue since being alerted to water flow from Campsie villages during spate conditions.

Last week, my office attended a community meeting on climate resilience and how to reduce the impact of flooding – something the council is looking to prepare for.

Whilst the proposals are promising, I have communicated with the engineering consultants AECOM to ensure they are aware of our constituency’s historical issues, so that these are given due consideration and incorporated into plans. A tailored approach will ensure that surface water management plans are more effective.

Aside from representing and working to help resolve various issues affecting the people I represent, I have met with many hardworking organisations based in the constituency over this summer.

Read more: OPINION Bill Kidd MSP: Community spirit alive and kicking

Earlier this summer it was a pleasure to participate in Drumchapel Day in the Park and Knightswood Park Gala Day. Both events showed great community spirit and were a lot of fun.

Last week, I was also delighted to join LINKES for their summer fun day and see first hand how the group helps the community.

From community groups to accredited courses and life-skills such as computer literacy or English lessons, the organisation is a shining example of the good being done every day in Anniesland.

That same week I was also pleased to meet with Action on Hearing Loss Scotland, who provide free support for people with hearing loss. The next Learning about their services has proved invaluable and rewarding: the following day I was able to connect a constituent with the organisation, getting them the support they need.

I would encourage anyone in the area experiencing difficulties with hearing aids to consider attending the organisation’s monthly drop-in sessions at Drumchapel Health Centre or Anniesland Library for practical support.

In terms of the Scottish Government benefitting the constituency, I am very happy to hear of the agreement to take the Ferguson Marine shipyard into public control, allowing it to remain open and operational.

Keeping the shipyards open is hugely important for the lower Clyde as they make up a significant part of our community’s identity and economy.