Please help those in desperate need
Last week, the Disasters Emergency Committee
(DEC) launched its appeal to support humanitarian aid efforts, following a series of devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
Since that day, aid organisations and civilians have been working in partnership to search for and rescue those caught up in the disaster, to provide shelter to those whose homes have been destroyed and to deliver medical aid to the injured.
These heart-wrenching scenes have been watched by people all across the world and we have all been affected by hearing of the significant loss of life, which is still rising on a daily basis.
The First Minister, along with many other world leaders pledged their government’s support to the DEC’s appeal and committed £500,000 of aid. If you are in a position to donate, you can do so on the DEC’s website at www.dec.org.uk/appeal/turkey-syriaearthquake-appeal
Back in October, I wrote to the
RSPB reserve in Lochwinnoch, congratulating them on a funding award of over £182,000 from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
I was delighted to have the opportunity to pay them a visit this month as works have started on the “boardwalk” project at the site.
These ambitious plans will see a raised walkway installed around the perimeter of the waterways and allow visitors to get even closer to the wildlife.
Site manager Tabby Lamont and area manager Zoe Clelland welcomed me to the reserve, and despite the typical dreich February weather, there was lots to see and do. The changes since my last visit included the new observation stations, as well as extensions to the pathways and waterways, a play area and improvements to the visitor centre.
This Lochwinnoch attraction has endless potential with great transport links, ample parking and is situated on the outskirts of Lochwinnoch village, right across the loch from the renowned Castle Semple facilities and is in close proximity to towns like Johnstone and Paisley, plus it’s only a 20-minute drive from Glasgow.
I look forward to seeing their further planned enhancements take shape in the coming months, which will firmly secure RSPB as one of Renfrewshire South’s key places of natural beauty, with a whole lot of fun and opportunities for learning thrown into the bargain.
The most up-to-date information on what’s going on at RSPB Lochwinnoch can be found on their Facebook and Twitter pages.
As constituency MSP for Renfrewshire South, I recently met with Kimberley Guthrie, director of operations and Phil Prentice, chief officer from Scotland’s Towns Partnership.
It was great to catch up with them again and hear about all of the amazing projects that the organisation is running.
One such project, is the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card, which as regular readers will be aware is not only very close to my heart, but also a fantastic way to encourage people to spend locally and support small businesses in their community.
I look forward to continuing regular engagement with this great organisation and finding ways that we can work together to promote businesses in the towns and villages of Renfrewshire South.