Alex Salmond

I was saddened to hear of the sudden passing of former First Minister Alex Salmond. While his reputation, rightly or wrongly, may have been tarnished in recent years, he was without doubt one of the most significant Scottish politicians of the last 30 years.

I only met Mr Salmond once, when he came to Inverclyde to cut the first sod for the new Beacon Arts Centre. I found him to be very affable and genuinely interested in the challenges we faced in Inverclyde.

My deepest condolences go to his wife Moira, his wider family and all his friends and colleagues.

I doubt we will see Alex Salmond’s likes again.

Community Choices

People of Inverclyde, we want to hear from you. We are holding Community Conversation weeks to hear about your ideas and suggestions for how we tackle four key themes.

We’ve been told the priorities for local people are affordable before and after school childcare; your community; community safety; and learning in the community.

The first Community Conversation week is in Port Glasgow next week. Officers from our community learning and development service will be talking to local groups and have organised an in-person conversation in Port Glasgow Town Hall on Monday 28 October from 6-7pm.

You can also get involved online if that’s easier. Go to our dedicated online platform inverclyde.communitychoices.scot

The feedback we receive will be important in helping us shape future plans, so the more people who take part the better informed we’ll be.

Warm Hands of Friendship

I mentioned in my last column about what we are doing in Inverclyde to help tackle poverty. The Warm Hands of Friendship initiative is now in its third year, and I’m delighted it’s been guaranteed to run until March 2027.

Organisations can now apply for their share of the £120,000 funding. We know this can make a big difference to people and allows groups to open their doors and offer a warm space, sometimes some hot food and drinks, but most of all friendly company during the winter months.

Applications submitted by 5pm on Thursday 31 October will be assessed before Christmas. After this, applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis till all the funding is awarded.

More information on the scheme and how to apply is here: www.inverclyde.gov.uk/warmspace

Garden of Remembrance

It’s the time of year when the leaves start to fall, the temperature drops and we get ready to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

This year, Clyde Square will once again host the Garden of Remembrance. This is a place for people to remember their loved ones who served for their country and you can place a cross in their memory.

The service to mark the opening of the garden will take place on Saturday October 26 and is always a moving tribute, ahead of Remembrance Sunday events.

It starts at 11am and all are welcome to attend there, as well as the short service in Greenock Cemetery that takes place afterwards to remember those killed in the Greenock Blitz.