Since the news of drug taking and inappropriate behaviour emerged on HMS Vigilant, people have been quick to simply dismiss staff rather than address the real issues.

I do not condone the behaviour, but I would say that we need to look at the bigger picture. It is well known that our service people are worked hard and put under immense pressure while they’re away. The difference is that the majority of civilian workers can go home and de-stress at the end of the day.

This is not possible while on a submarine, for instance, meaning that stresses will build up. There is a lot of discussion surrounding mental health, which needs to be addressed immediately, but we can’t ignore the causes.

Placing people under these levels of stress and not allowing a safe and legal outlet for them for sustained periods of time is only going to create problems. Dismissing people and then repeating the same procedure will not solve the problem.

I would like to see a revision of the wellbeing procedures within our forces to help prevent these situations arising in the future, and hopefully cut down on longer term mental health issues.

Between our forces I believe they should be addressing the issues of mental health and setting an example within our society.

The ongoing saga with the Kilcreggan ferry is reaching new heights with the service almost off as often as it is on, countless individuals involved and no real solution.

Yes, a new tender will be issued shortly, but that would have always been the case with this current contract up for renewal at the beginning of summer.

It’s great to see the Kilcreggan community pull together to have their voice on this by recording a song about the ongoing problems. I have spoken in the Holyrood chamber on this subject, as have colleagues of mine, and we have received no satisfactory response.

It will be going back into the chamber next week for a debate.