Jacqueline McLaren

Last weekend I was privileged to be amongst the first to visit the Stockingbridge Junction, a new bridge connecting Ruchill, Maryhill and Gilshochill.

Last week, Glasgow’s SNP administration delivered a City Budget which meets the needs and demands of our citizens.

I recently read a fascinating piece of research by academics at Glasgow Caledonian University which showed the health benefits of living close to the Forth and Clyde Canal.

I had the privilege recently to see for myself the incredible transformation of Sighthill and the creation of an entire new neighbourhood in the North of the city.

As this is my first column of 2022, I’d like to start by wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hope that this year brings many new returns to normality as far and as safely as possible.

As 2021 draws to a close I want to reflect on some of my defining experiences as a ward councillor these past four-and-a-half years in our wonderful but often challenging cityI was elected to serve the people of the Canal Ward in 2017. It’s an area I grew up in and know very well. But perhaps not as much as I believed I did. You are exposed to things often hidden from view, or worse still, ignored by many when you are there to represent the community. The levels of poverty I witnessed across my communities and the challenges that vulnerable families face was a little overwhelming.

IN SUMMER 2018 I suggested to the Community Council in Milton that they apply for funding to host a Christmas tree switch-on event.

I HAD the privilege last week to attend a COP26 event hosted by Scottish Canals.

This week I had the privilege to attend a COP26 event here in the North of Glasgow, organised by our very own NG Homes.

Empowering communities like mine here in the north of Glasgow is something I’m very passionate about.