Developing and nurturing our communities is absolutely paramount to all that we do.

So I was absolutely delighted to have the opportunity this week to visit the site of the first new council homes to be built in East Renfrewshire for a generation.

The development at Robertson Street is a prime location in Barrhead and will kick-start our ambitious house building programme, which will see 240 homes for social rent created over the next five years.

With the mix of homes being built designed to meet the ever-changing needs of our communities it will offer more options to our residents.

I can’t wait to see the project develop in the coming months.

More homes will also be built at two other sites in Barrhead this year, representing a significant investment in the area and its future.

It is also fantastic to see the newly created play area at Cowan Park now completed. The wide range of swings, chutes and zip wires which are in place certainly ensures there is something for everyone.

By developing the park in this way it will make it more attractive for residents to visit and I look forward to seeing further upgrades in the future.

These significant investments in Barrhead, and the ongoing work to upgrade the swimming pool at the Foundry, will provide improved facilities and services for the town.

This is testament to the hard work and planning that goes in to ensuring every community across East Renfrewshire continues to be developed to the benefit of our residents.

Finally, it was an absolute privilege to attend the annual Convener’s Awards for Outstanding Achievement, organised by our education department to recognise the achievements of many of our fantastic pupils.

The event highlighted the remarkable achievements of pupils from all seven of East Renfrewshire’s secondary schools, and Isobel Mair School, across a range of categories.

It never fails to amaze me The vast array of extra-curricular activities pupils get involved in at school never fails to amaze me – it’s a far cry from when I was a pupil!

From sporting success of the highest level to unbelievable volunteering and community service, and amazing music, drama and arts success – the achievements were nothing short of incredible.

Once again the pupils who were honoured on the night proved to be a credit to themselves, their families, the schools and the whole of East Renfrewshire.

Well done to everyone and good luck for the future.