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Great to attend the lunchtime concert of the community choir at Shettleston New Church. (They say anyone can join... even if you do not think you are a singer!) So many people are finding singing in a choir can be a real boost to their lives.

Powerful event marking the work of Glasgow City Mission Glasgow City Mission (at Adelaide Place Baptist Church). Hearing about their work with homeless folk, especially over the last winter period. Helping folk move into their own tenancy and maintain it. Desperate need for more housing.

A busy final week in Parliament before the summer break. Finance Committee, Education Committee (twice), Education Bill at Stage 3. (And I am wearing my new Glasgow City Mission tie for the first time! ... marking 200 years of Glasgow City Mission in 2026.)

Covered a lot of ground with the head of the civil service in Scotland this morning Finance and Public Admn Committee. I asked about readiness for next pandemic and cyber attacks. Also how AI is impacting.

Good to read this article in today's Glasgow Times. Flood prevention in Earlybraes Park near Barlanark and Garrowhill. Tollcross Burn has often flooded in the past so this project should help. Thanks to Glasgow City Council and others.

Another lengthy session on Dundee Uni at Education Committee Education, Children and Young People Committee. Former Principal Iain Gillespie gave evidence. Seems to me that problems were recognised in 2023. However, neither the leadership as a whole nor any individual got to grips with this or acted urgently enough.

People who are care-experienced, foster carers, kinship carers, and others might want to input into this Bill process. Responses should be made by 15 August. After the summer Education, Children and Young People Committee Education Committee will be examining the Bill.

Very much appreciated attending special event at St Michael's Parkhead to mark Ukraine Constitution Day and awards ceremony for St Mary's Ukrainian School. Thanks for this lovely card and book. I just wish the UK had a proper written constitution like real democracies do!

So good to be away for a holiday on the Western Isles. First stop Barra. Big thanks to CalMac Ferries for an excellent crossing from Oban. On time, lots of tea, coffee, and food! And now a campsite beside the Atlantic with a great view 😀

Fabulous day for my first trip to Mingulay (uninhabited since 1912). Great beach with seals, many sea-birds, got to sail through the natural arch, and super view north toward Barra.

Very windy & wet in Benbecula. But visited excellent museum on Clearances in Lionacleit School. Various reasons why people left the islands: forced out, poverty at home, wanting a better life, offer of land in Canada, children deported. (Good to see mobile cinema going strong!)

Another great CalMac Ferries crossing from Berneray to Leverburgh. CalMac provide an excellent service. It is remarkable how they cross the Sound of Harris changing course so many times. And Stornoway feels like a big city after Barra, Benbecula, S/N Uist!

A great day in Lewis. Stirring services at Martin's Memorial Church, including hearing about the Lewis Revival of 1949 and Baptism of the Spirit. Also visited Ness at very north of the island - cliffs, gannets, fulmar, terns, and more. Fabulous 😀

Visiting some of the amazing historical sites on Lewis. The restored Gearrannan blackhouse village (the only remaining such village), Carloway broch/dun CarlowayEstateTrust (built BC and one of the best preserved brochs), Callanish standing stones (better than Stonehenge!).

Mixed weather on Harris. But still lots to do including visiting the historic St Clement's Church at Rodel. Great to see an active community council in the area - in this case providing public toilets.

Finally left the Western Isles today after a fabulous holiday. And once again CalMac Ferries delivered. Today it was Tarbert on Harris to Uig on Skye. I have used 4 different ferries over the last 12 days. All close to time, and all a great service. Well done CalMac!

Great privilege to attend opening of SPUC Pro-Life SPUCTV studios in Glasgow today. Bishop Keenan spoke of the importance of both the content of our message and how it is presented. If some people had their way, a baby's life could be ended even 30 minutes before birth.

Good to visit the family and friends fun day at Baillieston Care Home. The usual raffle and tombola! Also some ducks and other small animals visiting 😀

If you’re finding things tough at present, please remember that you’re not alone and the @Samaritans are ready and waiting to listen 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call them for free on 116 123 or email joSamaritans.org Any calls made won't show on your call history.

Great to be at Refuel at Gordon Castle, Moray again Refuel Scotland. Superb times of worshipping God, prayer, & listening to Him. Great speakers including Fred Drummond, Lucy Peppiatt, Andy Hall, & Yinka Oyekan. Very interesting session on Israel & Palestine; speakers for both sides.