Things have improved greatly across West Dunbartonshire since my last column.

Covid-19 infection rates are down considerably, and with lighter nights and summer on its way, the outlook is thankfully starting to look a lot brighter.

This past year has been very challenging but as we see things slowly returning to normal, I’m sure our residents will continue with their kind community spirit of looking out for each other as restrictions are lifted.

Earlier this month we marked the 80th anniversary of the Clydebank Blitz. It’s hard to believe and comprehend how difficult life must have been for the surviving residents and how they had the strength and courage to help rebuild the town is remarkable.

To mark this important date and as a lasting tribute to the lives that were lost over the nights of March 13 and 14, 1941, the council worked with the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) to commission a special piece of music, entitled Clydebank ’41 and composed by Christopher Gough, telling the story of the Blitz and honouring the hundreds of lives lost 80 years ago.

I would encourage everyone to visit the RSNO’s official YouTube channel, if you haven’t done so already, and listen to the piece, which is very moving.

In addition, I had the honour of unveiling a commemorative plaque at Solidarity Plaza as a lasting reminder of those we lost.

We hope to be able to hold the Provost’s Civic Awards soon to publicly thank our residents who have been recognised for volunteering, raising money, being a good neighbour and performing continuous acts of kindness around West Dunbartonshire.

This last year has shown we have exceptional citizens within West Dunbartonshire who are willing to help and support their neighbours, and I would like to thank every one of you for your help in supporting vulnerable and elderly residents during their time of greatest need.

While our case numbers in West Dunbartonshire are low, we must still follow the guidelines set out by the Scottish Government to see us safely through the final few months of restrictions.

We have all come so far and sacrificed so much to give up now. Together we will get through this and while we can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel, it is vital for us all to continue to adhere to the guidelines.

If we continue to do that for a little while longer, I’m hoping that we can all enjoy some much deserved time with family and friends in the months that lie ahead.