I was in Clydebank last week looking at regeneration opportunities and I was impressed with what I’m seeing on Queens Quay and the civic area around the Town Hall.

The improved environment will be worth the short term disruption.The new water heat source energy centre is looking great and is ready to supply cheap, green heating and hot water to the new housing being built in the area. Our care home is also looking great and I can’t wait until it’s safe for me to have a visit and talk to some of the staff and residents.

Bankies can be proud of what is rising out of the ground at the former John Brown’s yard and beyond; a modern tribute to a proud history.

The hope is that this Monday, August 9 will be our release from most Covid restrictions and a return to something much closer to normality.

I’d urge people to continue to follow any government/health advice issued and to respect employees in local businesses and public services who are continuing to do their best to serve and protect our communities.

Further afield, recent youth violence in and around Balloch Park is unacceptable.

I have met with the police and other community leaders to agree a plan to tackle this anti-social behaviour.

Balloch remains a safe place to visit and enjoy, and there is an increased police presence and work going on in the background to deal with the problem element. I cannot go into detail lest the actions being taken be undermined, but I would like to thank the police for the very quick and proactive response they are taking in our community.

The recent deaths in Loch Lomond and other lochs and rivers across the country are tragic, and people need to make themselves aware of the dangers of swimming in open water before they venture out there.

Open water swimming can be fun, invigorating and a great way to exercise, but you need to research the area you intend to swim before you get in the water and prepare appropriately.

Loch Lomond, for example, has many areas where the loch bed suddenly drops away and there are hidden currents beneath the surface. There are also significant ‘cold spots’, where the water can be 10 degrees or more colder than surrounding water.

If you find yourself suddenly in one of these low temperature spots, your body will involuntarily tense and gasp for air.

You could easily find yourself incapable of keeping your head above water while uncontrollably inhaling.

Know what you’re doing, where you’re swimming and how to prepare before swimming wild.