Route 81: Recently, I had the opportunity to go back and visit Route 81 in Garelochhead.  I visited them a few years ago as part of my summer tour and it was good to go back and learn how they are progressing. It’s always heartening to see community based projects growing and delivering in their communities. Route 81 clearly is having a positive influence on the young people in the area..

I wish them every success for the future and I’m sure they will continue to become even more successful.

Addressing Youth Employment: Last week, in Parliament I attended a breakfast briefing on youth employment.  As we know, youth unemployment is a major economic and social issue facing Scotland, and every locality is challenged with providing the first opportunity for those seeking employment.

Therefore, I was heartened by the Edinburgh Guarantee which is a partnership approach involving the public and private sectors and the third sector which have come together to help school leavers obtain employment.

I would like to see if this scheme can be replicated in other local authorities and have since written to local authorities in the West of Scotland, such as Argyll & Bute Council, to highlight its existence and asking them to investigate the potential for their area.

Tackling the issue of metal theft: Last week, I hosted a discussion, in the Scottish Parliament, on the issue of metal theft and how it is affecting our communities, industries, heritage and memorials.

A number of organisations attended the event and I was delighted to welcome the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill MSP to the discussion.  The Scottish Government have previously taken a number of steps to tackle metal theft by tightening licensing legislation and prosecuting metal thieves under the common law of theft.  However, we must continue to apply pressure on those who wish to profit from metal theft and make sure there is no hiding place for them.

For more information on the issue I would urge people to visit www.metaltheftscotland.org.uk