Tree planting at Lilybank Gardens

Yesterday, on a walkabout of the area, I spotted new trees planted within the greenspace at Lilybank Gardens. This is good news for nature and people living in Hillhead.

Several of the trees planted at Lilybank Gardens.

The planting of trees to replace those that have been removed during the development of sites for housing or the new university campus within Hillhead is vital. Trees support improved air quality, carbon capture, development of wildlife habitats and help with flood prevention.

Yellow lines on Burgh Lane

The yellow lines have been painted in Burgh Lane to improve access to the Hillhead Library and surrounding area.

View of the yellow lines in Burgh Lane.

I hope that this work by the Council will lead to a more attractive and cleaner cobbled lane. Thanks to everyone involved in supporting this lane improvement.

Support businesses in Byres Road and its Lanes

This month, we have experienced the lose of several, long-term businesses on Byres Road. The high street is under severe pressure from changing shopping patterns and the need to support the existing businesses in Byres Road is more necessary than ever. 

Closure of Fopp on 25th January. 

Closure of Demijohn on 26th January.

New businesses and entrepreneurs must also be attracted to Hillhead. I continue to support the development work of the Byres Road and Lanes Business Improvement District, known as "Visit West End" to promote the area.

Recycling of Festive Trees

This week, I noticed festive trees being composted after being left for recycling at a  designated grass area on Kelvin Way, opposite the bandstand.

Hundreds of Festive Trees deposited at grass area on Kelvin Way.

It is possible to dispose of trees until 19th January at this location, as well as Pollok Country Park, Burrell Car Park and Alexandra Park, off Alexandra Parade, car park next to the golf course.

Call for Safer Streets

I joined activists on Friday, 29th November at the "Fight The Night" march from Kelvingrove Park to George Square calling for safer streets and end of violence against women. 

 Going through Nelson Mandela Square

 End of the march in George Square

I encourage men to sign up to the White Ribbon Campaign and support the ending of violence against women in our streets and across communities in Glasgow.

Glasgow's Youth Climate Strike

On Friday, 29th November, I met up with youth climate strikers in George Square. They had created a series of placards to highlight their concerns.

There is ongoing demand for climate action by young people involved in the Youth Climate Strike Movement. We urgently need a Green New Deal and Just Transition to cut carbon emissions to safeguard all our futures.

Scotland Councillor Awards 2019

At the LGiU Scotland Councillor Awards 2019 ceremony on 28th November, I won the Environmental Impact Award sponsored by Keep Scotland Beautiful and CCLA Good Investment.

With the award at the ceremony 

in Edinburgh City Chambers.

I am delighted to receive this award in recognition of my contribution in leading Glasgow's response to the Climate Emergency. The supporting statement acknowledges my role in "setting up an agreement from the Council's Environment, Sustainability and Carbon Reduction Committee to form a climate emergency working group with cross party, multi-stakeholder representation" in February 2019. This group reported back in August 2019 and a headline target was set for Glasgow to be carbon neutral by 2030. There were 61 other recommendations provided for consideration by the council and an implementation plan is expected by April 2020.

This is the second year of these awards. Many thanks to the judging panel from across local government and everyone involved in making these awards happen.