2017 should be a year for unity, bringing the country together to focus on the real challenges ahead.

Disappointingly, Nicola Sturgeon appears to want to use Brexit as a launch pad for another referendum on independence. Of course we should focus on minimising the cost of Brexit to our economy, but the last thing we need now is another referendum. That will simply cause more division.

The truth is that the United Kingdom is even more important in terms of jobs and trade than the European Union. We need to get the best deal possible from the EU whilst remaining in the UK.

That’s why I will vote against any attempts by the SNP to bring forward a second independence referendum. Instead of reopening old wounds, I want to tackle the issues that really matter to people in Argyll and Bute.

There is so much we can do now to improve our public services, from reducing waiting lists in the NHS to ensuring our schools get the resources they need to give every child, regardless of their background, the best start in life.

A good start would be an early decision to reject the closure of the birthing unit at the Vale of Leven Hospital. Maternity services in Greater Glasgow and Clyde are already struggling to cope with demand, as we have seen this week with pregnant women being turned away at the doors of Glasgow’s biggest hospital.

Transferring more local women to Paisley and Glasgow will only make the situation worse. The SNP Health Secretary should immediately rule out the closure of the Vale unit without the need for another costly three-month consultation.

I am pleased that Education Scotland has listened to local people and will be undertaking an inspection at Hermitage Academy to ensure that the school is operating to the highest standard whilst investigating the concerns of local parents and pupils. Officials will visit the school in January to monitor progress since its earlier report on the controversial shake-up of the exams system.

I have also been working closely with the Parent Council to address the recent reports of bullying which caused some alarm in the local community.

Hermitage Academy remains a great school with good teachers and hardworking pupils but we need to strain every sinew to make sure that we are getting it right for every child and parents are reassured.