This week Hugh returns to the subject of wind turbines and talks about local charities. Wind Turbine, Gateside Road I previously reported that I had written to the Planning Minister in the Scottish Government to ask for his support in opposing this wind turbine. He has now replied to say that the matter has now been allocated to a Planning reporter who has arranged a site inspection for July 1 at 2.30pm. I believe that in such local matters, the decisions are best left to local Councils who know the local circumstances and who can determine the perceived benefit (if any) and impact. The Scottish Government is enthusiastic in pushing wind turbine development, but this should not be at the expense of local communities.

Huntington's Disease The Scottish Huntington's Association is a Renfrewshire based charity which provides invaluable support to families living with Huntington's Disease (HD). Many people are not aware of this devastating condition which is why the Association wants to promote better understanding and knowledge.

There are a number of local families who are having to cope with the consequences of Huntington's Disease. It is a hereditary progressive disease that causes changes to muscle control, thinking processes and can cause long term mental health issues. The average age of onset is between 33 and 45 and those living with the condition will require 24 hour care as it progresses into its later stages. It is hereditary and the child of someone diagnosed with HD has a 50 per cent risk of developing the condition themselves. There is no cure for Huntington's.

I've worked with the Scottish Huntington's Association, and I know the fantastic work it does right across Scotland. If you want to know more about the Association go to www.hdscotland.org or call 0141 848 0308.

Barrhead Tennis Courts The start of Wimbledon always brings a renewed interest in tennis. And of course this interest in heightened whenever Andy Murray takes to the court. So it's good to see the new �82,000 tennis courts opened by East Renfrewshire Council in Cowan Park. I know that pupils from Barrhead primary schools have already tested the new performance surface courts. The courts will be home to the Barrhead Tennis Club but they are also open to the public. That's just what we need; top class local facilities for youngsters to enjoy themselves and improve their skills. Tennis is a great sport for keeping fit and healthy. And who knows, there could be a future Andy Murray or Laura Robson out there.

Scottish Parliament shutdown The SNP has used its majority in the Scottish Parliament to bulldoze through a decision to close down the Parliament for a month before the Referendum. During that time Alex Salmond and SNP Ministers will be free to tour the country at public expense, promoting the separation of Scotland from the UK. There will be no opportunity to question him in the Scottish Parliament about the actions of his Government or about any topical events. Already we've seen him avoiding answers on pensions, the pound, interest rates, membership of the European Union to name just a few. Now he wants to completely avoid being held to account or being asked tough questions which he can't or won't answer. We've seen examples in other countries over the years, of a single party using its majority to open and close Parliament as it wishes. We also thought it couldn't happen here. Alex Salmond has proved us wrong. He has abused your votes, and his majority in the Scottish Parliament to fiddle the system. It's an affront to democracy.