Looking back on 2012

Looking back on 2012 there have been some disappointments for our area.

Our local college has continued to be in the firing line, we lost out on enterprise area status, and the number of people claiming job seekers allowance has continued to be stubbornly high.

And like many communities across Scotland we have also suffered from rising living costs and a UK government that has cut too fast and too deep.

Yet despite these challenges there is a lot we can be positive about.

The resilience of our people, the giving spirit of our volunteers and our environment make Inverclyde a good place to live.

On the economic front, our potential to participate in the renewables industry has been recognised.

We can rightly claim to be a gateway into Scotland through the Ocean Terminal.

And of course, the re-location of the major TV drama Waterloo Road and our new Beacon Art Centre gives us potential to build a base for the creative arts in the lower reaches of the Clyde.

All these developments give us reasons to be optimistic, that if we work together, we can secure green manufacturing jobs, double the number of cruise liners coming through Greenock and encourage more film makers to our beautiful area.

We must be confident that despite the challenges that we will face, 2013 will be a good year.

I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year when it comes round!