I’ll be undertaking a number of public meetings and Q&A events in August.  Below is some information.

Monday 18th August, 7pm – Carmyle – Community Centre, Hillcrest Road.

Friday 22nd August, 7pm – Parkhead – Whiterose Hall, Caroline Street.

Tuesday 26th August, 7pm – Shettleston – Shettleston Old Church, Killin Street.

Wednesday 27th August, 7pm – Broomhouse – Community Hall, Baillieston Road.

Thursday 28th August, 7pm – Newton Mearns – Mearns Kirk Church, 404 Mearns Road.

That the Parliament welcomes the news that £148 million of the £425 million taken from the Big Lottery Fund to help pay for excess London 2012 expenses has been returned to the fund; congratulates the Directory of Social Change on leading a campaign, which, it understands, has succeeded in helping the charities that lost out due to the initial decision, and hopes that the remainder of the lost funding can be restored in a timely manner.

John Mason, SNP MSP for Glasgow Shettleston, has welcomed the latest update concerning electrification of the Whifflet-Glasgow Central rail line which runs through his East End constituency.

The MSP, who is also co-convener of Holyrood’s Cross Party Group on Rail, especially gave a warm welcome to the end of piling works which have been a source of major disruption for local residents in Carmyle, Mount Vernon and Baillieston. Mr Mason paid tribute to residents, many of whom have had sleepless nights as a result of the works, which have had to take place in the early hours of the morning.

Commenting, Mr Mason said:

“I have always been very supportive of the electrification of this rail line which is part of the SNP Government’s wider package of investment in Scotland’s rail infrastructure.

“We are told that the line will be electrified entirely by September which, of course, is excellent news. However, I would echo the message and work being done by Network Rail and its partners to ensure that kids are aware of the dangers of playing near the train line. Large parts of the line are already electrified so everyone needs to be vigilant.

“The East End has been incredibly fortunate with rail investment in recent years, be that the Airdrie-Bathgate link, giving us additional trains to Edinburgh, a revamped Dalmarnock Station and now, the electrification of the Baillieston line.”