October 2007

Constituency During October I attended several events in Inverclyde including a presentation by the local Council on working families, explaining their strategy for getting people back into the workforce. This will dovetail with the Watt College, Jobcentre Plus and several voluntary employment projects. I also volunteered at the Barnardo’s shop in Greenock one day to help raise their profile in the local community. Surgeries Busy month surgery wise with surgeries in Gourock library, Boglestone Community Centre, Paton Street Neighbourhood Centre and the Parliamentary Office. Scotland Office As part of my Scotland Office duties I visited the Nestle factory in Girvan, the Care Commission in Dundee and the Scottish Storyline Centre. I also met with the chairman of Shell, had discussions with the Finmeccanica technology company and hosted a reception for the CBI at the Scotland Office’s headquarters in Dover House. Additionally, there were meetings with the Border and Immigration Agency, the Highlands and Islands Convention and Scotland on Sunday. Later in the month I launched the Scottish Poppy appeal and I also spoke at Scottish Questions on the digital switchover, the Post Office and international development.