LAST week, I had the pleasure of visiting one of the oldest flying clubs in the UK.


I visited Glasgow Flying Club, which is located at the north side of Glasgow Airport.


I was invited to meet with club representatives to discuss the issues aviation faces in the UK, as well as the proud history of pilot training the club provides, which has also helped commercial aviation in Scotland, with a high proportion of Loganair pilots having come through the club.

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Another issue was the work of General Aviation APPG, of which I am a member.


As someone who has always been interested in aviation, I’m proud of Renfrewshire’s aviation history, be it commercial, RAF or the fact Scotland’s first flying club was established in Renfrew in 1927.


For over 50 years, Glasgow Flying Club has helped to train a generation of private pilots, many of whom have gone on to become commercial pilots.

The Gazette:

Gavin Newlands represents Paisley and Renfrewshire North 


As one of the oldest flying clubs in the UK, with a glowing reputation, it is sought out by aspiring pilots from all over.


It was great to meet Iain, Archie and Jim from the club to learn more about its history and the range of issues they face. I even got to go up in the air and take the controls.


Aviation is crucial to Renfrewshire’s economy but also significant to Scotland’s national economy. Brexit will undoubtedly pose a number of challenges to the sector.


However, it’s clear we could all do more to support the growth of aviation.


Elsewhere, I recently joined Neil and Margaret, from Brighter Bridge of Weir, for a walk around the village.


Brighter Bridge of Weir is a fantastic group of selfless residents who do important work to keep the village tidy.


I previously met the group a few months ago and accepted their invitation to have a look at a number of concerns.


One of the issues highlighted was the condition of the pavements and the fact the weeds are not being treated. From my office’s recent caseload, I know this is a particular issue which is affecting a number of communities across Renfrewshire.


In addition, the bins outside the Co-op have no lids, resulting in rubbish being blown down Main Street or being targeted by birds.


This obviously makes a real difference to the appearance of the area and undermines the great work Brighter Bridge of Weir do.


Following this meeting, I wrote to Renfrewshire Council to ask that they take action to address the concerns people in Bridge of Weir have with their village.


Brighter Bridge of Weir go above and beyond to help improve their community but the council still has a duty towards the appearance of the village.


During the summer, I have also been out and about to meet other local people to find out if I can help with any issues they are experiencing.


In addition to holding 13 surgeries a month, I have also been holding street surgeries and meeting local people on the doorsteps to find out how I can help.

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Last week, I was out in Renfrew and Erskine and, over the next weeks, I will look to be out across other communities.


When I was elected in 2015, I made a pledge that I would be the most accessible MP the area had ever had.


I don’t think it’s right that people only hear from their local politicians during election time. I hope my actions show I’m meeting that pledge.