It’s been a highly paced 6 months since being elected as an MSP for West of Scotland region. Getting the sleeves rolled up and into the job. I was assigned the position of Shadow Spokesperson for Veterans’ Affairs, under Prof Adam Tomkins MSP’ remit of Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security, the Constitution and Equalities.

This role has led me to meeting with, and supporting, numerous Veterans’ charities teaming my knowledge, experience of the service and as Armed Forces Champion for Argyll & Bute to provide a strong voice for Veterans, and indeed active personnel.

Over the past month I have become increasingly busy within this role over the Remembrance time of year. It is a privilege to hold this position within the West of Scotland, which played, and continues to play an important part in our countries safety and security. With the addition of the UK submarine fleet planned to be based at HMNB Clyde at Faslane by 2020, the need for facilities in the surrounding area is of huge importance. This was provided a huge boost after requesting investment, which George Osborne guaranteed £5million for Helensburgh Leisure facilities. We also managed to secure further funds towards the Scottish Submarine Museum.

The Scottish Submarine Museum is still being developed with the submarine now installed, the building is being built back around it and the museum facilities now being developed. It promises to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Argyll & Bute every year and I wish them all the success for the future.

These projects and investments from the UK Government demonstrate our rich heritage and the continued dedication to the strong bonds we have built within the Union.

Remembrance day and the events surrounding it are a reminder of the sacrifices our predecessors made to secure our safe, secure and democratic future.