Trust makes headway on ambitious project
BY RENFREWSHIRE SOUTH MSP TOM ARTHUR
Gala Day season will soon be upon us and this year marks the welcome return of a fullscale Lilias Day.
The Kilbarchan event was not able to be held during 2020 and 2021 due to public health protection measures, whilst last year saw the village host a scaled back version.
It will be fantastic to see everything in full swing on June 3, with a complete complement of attractions such as the Lilias Day parade, my personal favourite the Dog Show and live entertainment in the Bungalow Music Tent.
Not to mention a huge range of craft stalls, informative exhibitions, amazing food and even the chance to try your hand at falconry, to name but a few of the things you can do and see on the day.
I would encourage anyone who has some free time next Saturday to get along to Kilbarchan for what is always a fantastic day out, no matter the weather.
I recently met with Toni Clark and Pauline McNulty from Social Security Scotland in my constituency office.
Having first been introduced to
Toni and Pauline at one of my cost-ofliving surgeries, I was keen to arrange a follow-up meeting.
It was great to hear updates on Social Security Scotland’s administration of the 13 Scottish benefits such as Best Start Grants, Child Disability Payment and the Carer’s Allowance Supplement.
These 13 benefits, seven of which are only available in Scotland, provide support for over one million people.
I look forward to maintaining a good working relationship with Social Security Scotland going forward, as we continue to help the most vulnerable in communities across Renfrewshire South.
I was also delighted to receive an invite to meet with the Neilston Development Trust in the last few weeks. S
Sue Scott (community engagement officer) and Pauline Gallagher (project manager) from the Trust, reached out to arrange a meeting to discuss their ongoing plans for an active travel community link between Neilston and Uplawmoor.
The ambitious project would provide an off-road, fully accessible, route which forms part of East Renfrewshire Council’s Strategic Cycle Route 1.
The plans are five years in the making, with some significant headway being made last year.
Recent developments has seen Neilston Development Trust be able to utilise a grant from the Neilston Windfarm Legacy Fund to purchase a section of vacant land, key to the project.
Negotiations with landowners are still taking shape, but the Trust are excited to be in a position to start looking more actively at the Neilston and Uplawmoor sections of the route.
There is still much work to be done, but I have no doubt that Neilston Development Trust, and their project partners including Uplawmoor Development Trust, East Renfrewshire Council and Sustrans, will work tirelessly to achieve their ambitious objectives.
I was pleased to offer my support as constituency MSP and am excited to see how the plans move forward in the months to come.