Now that summer is finally here and the schools have finished, I would like to thank all our dedicated teachers and support staff for what has been another very challenging academic year.

We are very lucky to have such dedicated school staff who have worked tirelessly during the pandemic to offer education to our children regardless of their location and we are very grateful to you all.

Last month I met with some of my fellow board of directors at the Clydebank Municipal Bank to celebrate the 100th birthday of the bank.

The bank offers a great way to save and I would encourage you if you’re thinking of having an extra account to consider opening an account with the Municipal Bank. To find out more see clydebankmunicipal bank.co.uk or call 07557 327731.

I was pleased to see an increase to the primary and secondary school clothing grant of £150 being approved for school uniforms at the council meeting, as I understand how expensive kitting a child out for school can be. Entitled families will receive this payment ahead of the winter.

While it’s great to be steadily moving back to normality I would encourage anyone who is entitled to receive their Covid vaccination but has not yet taken up the offer to please make arrangements to get your jag.

There is a drop-in vaccination facility at The Hub in Clydebank today (Wednesday); information on the times and locations of our other local vaccination centres in West Dunbartonshire is available on the council’s social media pages.

I would also encourage everyone to test themselves twice a week with the lateral flow testing kits which are available free from any chemist, Covid drop-in centres and the Scottish Government.

Keeping children entertained over the schools holidays can be expensive and I am delighted we have a full programme of activities designed especially for our young people across Clydebank, Dumbarton and Alexandria.

We have cycling classes, multi sports camps - the first of them featured elsewhere in this edition of the Post - along with den building, yoga and arts and crafts to name but a few, and I’m sure there will be something for everyone to enjoy, no matter their area of interest.

To view the Summer Extravaganza programme in full, and to book activities, please visit the council’s social media pages. But several of the sessions are already full so if you see something you, or someone in your family, likes the look of, don’t hang about and get places booked soon!

I wish you all a lovely, relaxing summer and I hope the weather is kind to you wherever you spend your holiday period. Be safe and continue to follow the Scottish Government guidance.