Scottish First Aid Awards

On 27th November, I attended an awards ceremony hosted by St. Andrews First Aid. This celebrated the contributions of people who have been involved in life saving activities. I was impressed by some remarkable stories of how training in first aid makes a difference to communities across Scotland.

One of the categories was organisation of the year for first aid excellence. The benefits from businesses providing access to a Defibrillator for staff and customers were highlighted. 

Since this event, I have been on the look out for Defibrillators on premises. I was glad to find a sign for a Defibrillator at the local subway station. I am hoping that more information about provision of Defibrillator across Glasgow is going to be available from the NHS and other public agencies. Access to a Defibrillator is vital to saving people's lives.

Defibrillator at St. Georges Cross Subway.

To find out more about the awards by St. Andrew's First Aid, please go to: www.firstaid.org.uk/awards

Reclaim The Night Glasgow

On 25th November, I took part in the Reclaim The Night March in Glasgow, organised by Glasgow Rape Crisis. It marks the start of 16 days of activism to highlight issues relating to violence against women. If you would like more information or want to donate to the work of Glasgow Rape Crisis, please log on to: http://www.rapecrisiscentre-glasgow.co.uk

Useful link:
16 Days - http://www.communitysafetyglasgow.org/16-days/

Support Anti-Racism March on 26th November

Support the STUC St. Andrew's Day Anti-Racism March and Rally which takes place on Saturday 28th November 2015. 

Thousands of people are expected to come along to Glasgow Green from 10.30am and be ready to march off at 11am. The theme is focused on the current refugee crisis and banners will highlight "No Racism: Refugees Welcome Here". This will provide solidarity with millions of people who have been fleeing from their home as a consequence of conflict within Africa and the Middle East. 

The march ends with a rally in the Gft, on Rose Street at 12 noon. The speakers will include refugees who have made Scotland their home.

For further information, please go to: http://www.stuc.org.uk/campaigns-and-external-events/st-andrews-day-2015/take-action

Nature of Scotland Awards 2015

At the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards 2015, on Thursday 19th November, I was joint winner of Politician of the Year Award.

The award was presented in association with The Centre for Scottish Public Policy, who highlight the following: "We are all aware that our countryside and those part of our urban environment that sustain flora and fauna of all forms and scale need to be defended, protected and enhanced. We look to citizens, campaigners, and campaigning organisations such as the RSPB to do this. However, we also need politicians in all spheres of government to channel and legislate in support of our environment. That is why the Centre of Scottish Public Policy is delighted to support this award.."

The photo of me receiving the award is courtesy of Simon Williams http://simonwilliamsphotography.co.uk/

I am honoured and absolutely delighted to have received the award in recognition of my work as a councillor. I hope it will inspire people across Hillhead and beyond to get more involved in activities which support nature conservation and safeguard our environment.

For further information about the Nature of Scotland Awards, please log on to: https://www.rspb.org.uk/whatwedo/scotland/natureofscotland/

Make Gt Western Rd Great Again!

Feedback was gathered on local issues around Great Western Road within Hillhead area at Hillhead High School on Tuesday, 27th October 2015. 

This community event provided an opportunity for a café style discussion about issues within the local streets including Otago Street, Bank Street, Oakfield Avenue, Southpark Avenue, Hillhead Street, Cecil Street, Great George Street, Bower Street, Glasgow Street, Kersland Street, Cranworth Street, and Vinicombe Street.

1) Cleansing and recycling issues
Topics raised were the need for additional recycling bins, and a can crusher on the street. Residents asked for a review of positions for public bins as they sometimes block pavements Locked gates on lanes were suggested. There are concerns about problem of anti-social behaviour in lanes and the need to ensure gates are locked. 

Alexander Greek Thomson Building on Oakfield Avenue

Fly-tipping is a big problem. There is rubbish and slippy leaves on pavements. Action needed by cleansing staff to empty bins in Oakfield Avenue and report to Hillhead High.

2) Housing
Special projects were discussed and it was agreed to develop community activity linked to three sites within the area:

Greek Thomson Building at corner of Oakfield Avenue. Due to ongoing lack of maintenance, mattresses left in open spaces and grass overgrown.  List of owners to be contacted and meeting held in Hillhead High, to develop a special initiative. 

Belgrave Terrace, a B Listed terrace where there are concerns about poor condition of grounds, wall and pavement. Temporary wall put up at Great Western Road, due to subsidence and water leaks. Pavement in front of it needs to be cleaned up and repaired. 

Pavement at Belgrave Terrace on Great Western Road

Great Kelvin Lane Properties as there are concerns about lack of maintenance of multiple occupancy properties having a negative impact on Great Kelvin Lane.

Further updates on the various projects.will be provided to Hillhead Community Council.

Looking for a party frock

Today, I went shopping to purchase a vintage dress and spend a few hours looking around local second hand clothing shops. In the West End, there is a choice of shops to find good quality second hand party frocks, priced from between £10 to £30. 

If you are clearing out clothes to prepare your wardrobe for the festive season or need a new outfit for a special night out, it is worth checking the opportunities to buy and sell at vintage shops across the Hillhead area.

The Glasgow Vintage Company at 453 Great Western Rd

Retro at 8 Otago Street

Vintage Guru at 195 Byres Road

In a report published by Zero Waste Scotland, it states that "Two-thirds of UK consumers buy or receive pre-owned (or second-hand) clothes, and there is a willingness to wear more, especially if a better range were available." 

Local high streets such Byres Road and Great Western Road have a really important role in the marketing and development of opportunities for second hand clothing. 

Valuing our clothes report at: http://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk/content/valuing-our-clothes-report-0#sthash.jXhILOuc.dpuf