This week's column sees Helensburgh Conservative councillor Gary Mulvaney, the depute leader of Argyll and Bute Council, reflect on how there's still lots to keep him occupied during the off-season for the local authority.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Summer Festival: In a pretty awful summer for weather, it was a relief that the sun shone on the recent Summer Festival. Organisers and volunteers pulled of another excellent day with a great range of stalls, music and children’s attractions. The climbing wall and army obstacle course seemed to be very popular.

Waterfront: During the summer, I along with other councillors visited Clydebank Leisure complex to see what they had done and was mightily impressed with how it all works. The building is right for its location and there is real focus on customer needs inside.

Their modern take on the children’s play area, with all its lighting, electronic and interactive equipment is perfect, keeping children engaged, moving around and physically active – a great use of space.

The gym was large, airy, light and fully equipped. There were dedicated rooms for exercise classes and spin sessions. The pools were busy and had an integrated flume.

The only surprising aspect was the pool spectator seating was so limited, with less than two dozen seats.

But having spoken to the centre's staff, they made clear that hundreds of seats for swimming galas that happen just once or twice a year, didn’t seem the best use of space. So how we best use the internal space in our new Helensburgh facility will be a key decisions for me.

I made it clear in my election address that delivering the waterfront development was my priority and I am determined to make sure we get a development we can be proud of.

Silly Season: July gave us all a break from politics, politicians and Brexit, and at least when we switched on the national news, there was something else being featured. But the silly season still managed to throw up some surprising stories.

Who would have believed that it will take four years to repair a London clock; that wee Eck Salmond is now the new Benny Hill playing to sell-out crowds in Edinburgh; and that Nicola no longer wants to be called a nationalist. A strange old world.

Off to the Festival: Finally, I read that Channel 4’s supposedly impartial newsreader, Jon Snow is making an appearance at the Cove & Kilcreggan Book Festival in November.

I wonder if Jon, whose colourful ties are now matched with colourful language, may offer a greater literary insight to his most recent public work, compellingly known as “F**k the Tories”. Peninsula residents are in for a real treat.