I RECENTLY met with Dr Mathis Heydtmann and his team at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, in Paisley, to find out more about the research they are carrying out on the damage that cheap alcohol can have on individuals, families and communities.

It was shocking to discover that, for the cost of a standard off-peak cinema ticket, you can buy seven and a half litres of 7.5% ABV white cider, containing as much alcohol as 53 shots of vodka.

The information from this research underlines the need for the SNP’s policy on minimum pricing for alcohol.

It is well evidenced that raising the price of alcohol is the most effective way to reduce consumption levels and save lives.

Scotland, and indeed Renfrewshire, has a terrible track record when it comes to alcohol-related liver disease and I took this opportunity to meet with Dr Heydtmann and other professionals working in this area to understand more of the detail on this issue.

Spark of Genius

I was very pleased to open a small new residential facility for children in Elderslie on Friday.

This is an innovative project by Spark of Genius that provides high intensity support for young people from a range of backgrounds.

The approach has already proven to be very successful across Scotland and the north of England.

This is their second facility in Renfrewshire and I wish them well for the future.

Paisley 2021

Last week saw the official start of the contest to find out who will be the UK City of Culture in 2021.

Over the past year, the Paisley 2021 bid team has been working vigorously to secure the prize.

In order to promote the bid, I attended the Creative Industries Federation Second Anniversary Event, along with members of the bid team, in London last week, just before the launch.

Paisley really does have it all and I see nowhere more deserving of this accolade.

I believe that winning this bid could see a real boost for Paisley and the whole of Renfrewshire.

Independence Convention

Last week, I also dropped in on a conference aimed at preparing Scotland for another independence referendum.

There were speakers from the SNP and the Scottish Greens, as well as activists and academics who were keen to highlight the way forward.

All 800 tickets for the event were sold out and it is a sign that the desire is still there for Scotland to become an independent nation.

Looking Forward

As this is my first column of the new year, I’d like to end by wishing everyone happy times in 2017.

I know that most people will be back to their normal routines by now but I hope you all had a good festive break.