The last month has certainly been a busy one at the Scottish Parliament.

I’ve hosted three events, led a debate on support for working carers and spoken in numerous other debates on issues ranging from fair work to first aid and from cancer prevention to bus services.

I’ve also been asking questions of the Scottish Government on important matters such as housing provision, education and support for community empowerment.

In addition, I voted to pass world-leading legislation that will tackle the problem of domestic abuse and a bill supporting more woman onto the public boards that make many of the important decisions impacting on our daily lives.

It’s been great to see these acts passed in the first few weeks of 2018.

CRAIGENDS CONCERNS

Last summer, I conducted an extensive survey of residents in the Craigends area of Houston following contact from the local community council.

As well as concerns over traffic, residents also raised issues regarding potholes, pavement maintenance and, recently, a new telecommunications mast.

I was pleased to be joined by an officer from Renfrewshire Council in Craigends to point out first-hand the concerns raised by my constituents.

I will be following up with both residents and the council to ensure repairs are carried out and options regarding the telephone mast are explored.

JOHNSTONE JOBS FAIR

I was delighted to co-host a recent jobs fair in Johnstone Town Hall with Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP Mhairi Black.

With dozens of employers and employment support agencies in attendance, there was a huge turnout of people from across Renfrewshire.

It was particularly pleasing to see many employers offering skilled jobs and training opportunities.

Plans are already under way to host another jobs fair later this year in my Renfrewshire South constituency.

ON THE RIGHT ROAD

I recently had a meeting with cross-party colleagues and councillors on how we can improve the A737.

This is an important route running through Renfrewshire South and serving communities in Linwood, Johnstone, Kilbarchan, Howwood and Lochwinnoch.

I have previously written to Transport Scotland on the issue and will be inviting transport minister Humza Yousaf to meet with campaigners later this year.

BUDGET

Later this month, Parliament will vote on the Scottish Budget.

This budget will deliver an additional £400million for our NHS and a further £600million to roll out provision of superfast broadband and increase resources available to local councils.

I’m pleased to see that schools across Renfrewshire will benefit from the Pupil Equity Fund, which puts money directly into the hands of headteachers.

This is a budget that will protect public services, support an increase in public sector pay and make Scotland a fairer country.

I look forward to voting for it at its final stage.