Franklin D. Roosevelt said: “We cannot always build the future for our youth, but we can build our youth for the future.” This sentiment and statement rings true with every generation.

So it was with much admiration that I came away from meetings with the head teachers of Hermitage Academy, St Joseph’s Primary and Hermitage Primary, as I was very impressed with their professionalism and their dedication in their roles of educating the pupils of Helensburgh.

I also had a meeting recently with Rev David Young, the minister at the local parish church, to discuss his plans to set up a youth club in the town. I viewed the loft space in which he will create his vision for this enterprise, and I was deeply impressed with his ambitions and plans for the young people of Helensburgh.

On a visit to Grey Matters this month, I reiterated the importance of cultivating a positive outlook and arena in which young people can learn, grow and express themselves.

I encouraged the group members to become involved as volunteers with the local Children’s Befriending Service, as not every child has the best start in life and befriending can have a hugely positive outcome on a vulnerable child’s welfare – as I discovered when I volunteered with the Clydebank East Young Person’s Befriending Scheme for three years while at university.

Education is a key priority with the council’s administration and as one of the ‘children’s champions’ within the council I intend to make the welfare and interests of young people within Helensburgh, and Argyll and Bute, one of my top priorities.

I have seen all the constructive work that the council and the community council have done within Helensburgh’s town centre and this is to be welcomed.

Ensuring every part of Helensburgh is a great place to live is also one of my priorities. I would be happy to work with community groups in any part of the town to help them improve their local area.

The recent launch of Argyll College within Kirkmichael is pleasing to see and will hopefully become part of a wider regeneration.

Finally, I have attended two area committees now and I would encourage any member of the public with a pressing question about the work of the council and the future of Helensburgh to come along and express their views. Community democracy and empowerment are essential ingredients to the machinery of government, whether local or national.