Showing off our fantastic university
Last week, I welcomed my SNP colleague and Deputy First Minister John Swinney to the town as he visited Paisley’s university.
John was meeting with up with University of the West of Scotland principal and vice chancellor Craig Mahoney to discuss the many positive outcomes for students who attend UWS.
For many years, I have explained to colleagues on the education committee and in the parliament chamber of the great work that our local university does.
It has exceeded many of the targets set by the Scottish Government with regards to access to higher education and has become an important community asset for Paisley.
But as Craig explained to the Deputy First Minister, UWS has exceeded its own targets for positive student outcomes three years ahead of schedule, with more than 85 per cent of graduates securing professional employment or further study in 2016/17.
UWS is a young institution when you look at the many grand and ancient universities in Scotland, but it is also very ambitious.
There are plans to build on this success and push forward for more while, at the same time, not forgetting their core ideals.
John Swinney was impressed by the ambition and work that is part of UWS.
They might be the new kid on the block ... but they are definitely showing others the way forward.
Welcome new role
This week, I return to the Scottish Parliament before the beginning of the new session.
Most Paisley Daily Express readers will be aware that I was appointed as the SNP Chief Whip towards the end of June.
I’m looking forward to the new challenge and to working with my fellow MSP’s from all political parties to see how we can build a better Scotland.