🗳️ This election is about the issues that most affect our daily lives — the NHS, education, housing and more. John Swinney and the SNP have failed on all of these. Only with Anas Sarwar as First Minister can Scotland take a new direction. My latest Paisley Daily Express column 👇

I welcome the SNP dipping their toe in the water on swimming lessons for our kids but one summer’s worth of lessons in an election year looks shallow. Scottish Labour’s Chance to Swim Plan will make swimming lessons for our children permanent and throughout the year. [1/2]

🎸 Loud 'n' Proud School of Rock has been developing world-class musicians right here in Paisley for 25 years now. It was fantastic to see their impressive upgraded facility on William Street — thanks to Tommy and John for showing me around. For more info visit: www.facebook.com/share/1EpYwZ43jR/

🧵 SCOTTISH LABOUR'S 'CHANCE TO SWIM' PLAN 🏊 Learning to swim is a lifesaving skill that every child in Scotland deserves. But right now, too many young people are being left behind. [1/14]

My alternative New Year message! The world is moving on — let's make this the last year we go backwards under the SNP.

🎄✉️ Well done to Scott Smith from Todholm Primary for winning this year's Christmas card competition!

CCTV in Paisley’s parks is long overdue. I am pleased Renfrewshire Labour’s Councillor Graeme Clark is proposing important action at tomorrow’s council meeting. I hope all councillors will back these plans.

🥫I was at Paisley Tesco to donate to Renfrewshire Foodbank’s winter collection appeal this afternoon. If you can, please donate in store until 4pm tomorrow or online at: www.renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk

The recent rape of a young woman in Brodie Park, Paisley was horrific and appalling. My heart goes out to her and I would urge anyone with information to contact the Police. [1/5]

🎅 Many thanks to all the primary 6 and 7 (SIX SEVEN!) school pupils that took part in my Christmas card competition this year. 🏆 Our children and young people are so talented! But there can only be one winner (which is breathtakingly good) ... to be announced very soon. 👀🎄

A fantastic Paisley Labour Party campaign rally and fundraiser with Douglas Alexander MP and General Secretary Gary Smith of GMB Union last night. Thanks to everyone who is supporting our campaign to beat the SNP and give Paisley a new direction in 2026.

Did you know… 🤕 1 in 10 retail workers have been assaulted at work 🤬 50% of retail workers have been threatened at work 🗣 3 in 4 retail workers have been abused at work We must put an end to the abuse of shopworkers. Share to show your support for #RespectWeek 🔄 @usdawunion.bsky.social

It's Angus Robertson's responsibility to fix the mess at Historic Environment Scotland. He needs to get a grip of this crisis, stop dodging questions and do his job.

Well done @stmirren.com!! The Saints going marching onto the final! Amazing performance from the team and brilliant support from the fans!!

🦮 Lovely to welcome Marine to my Paisley office. ☀️ She brought some sunshine to a cloudy October morning. 🤝 Thanks to Carlos and Michael from @guidedogsuk.bsky.social for discussing the challenges facing people with visual impairment and the value of guide dogs.

♥️ Are you #ResusReady? Pleased to have attended Mini First Aid Glasgow CPR and defibrillator training in Paisley to mark #WorldRestartaHeart Day 2025. Thanks to Vicky for organising this important event. 📍 Find your nearest defibrillator here: defibfinder.uk

Scotsman this week on the much needed rail link to #GlasgowInternationalAirport with @neilbibby.bsky.social 🚆✈️👇

🏥 ❤️ DID YOU KNOW that 80% of out-of-hospital heart attacks happen at home? Mini First Aid Glasgow is hosting FREE defibrillator and CPR training this THURSDAY in Paisley at St Mirin's Cathedral to mark #WorldRestartAHeart Day 2025. Please find details below 👇

✈️ 🍎 This is brilliant news for Glasgow Airport which will bring huge benefit to the surrounding area. We need to increase international connectivity from our airport — which is the backbone of our region’s economy — and this direct flight to New York is a great boost.

⚽🟥 Proud to host Show Racism the Red Card in @scotparl.bsky.social ahead of #WRD25. Great to join actor Sanjeev Kohli, footballers Michael Devlin & Kaela McDonald-Nguah, fashion model Eunice Olumide & MSPs to say racism has no place in sport or society. Find out more at theredcard.org/wearredday.

📵 We need a Scottish Government that actually supports our young people.

☀️Lovely evening in Edinburgh and just passed St Andrew’s House (Scottish Government HQ) on the way back from Parliament to Paisley. Did you know it was designed by Paisley born architect Thomas S Tate who was also involved in the design of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Selfridges on Oxford Street?

The news of STV job cuts is concerning for the staff involved, but also for Scotland's democracy and economy. It is vital that all necessary steps are taken to minimise the impact of these proposals. My question at #FMQs today 👇

👀 Got my eyes checked at Munro Optometrists in Kilmacolm alongside Councillor Stephen McCabe and James Adams of RNIB Scotland. This is National Eye Health Week 2025. Eye checks are important for your health, and they're free. #EyeWeek

✊ I am pleased local services our vulnerable neighbours rely on are safe for now, but the fight goes on. My latest Paisley Daily Express column 👇

UPDATE: The Disability Resource Centre, Mirin Day Centre and other social care services are safe for now but remain under threat following today’s meeting of Renfrewshire HSCP Integrated Joint Board 👇🏻

🎥 Protecting Paisley’s heritage is vital to Paisley’s future.

Glasgow Labour councillors are right to reject the SNP’s city congestion charge plans. They would damage Glasgow’s economy & hit hard-working people from the West. Neither should pay the price for the SNP’s incompetence & underfunding of local councils.

First day back at school for Renfrewshire young people, including my own two. Think it is harder for the parents than the kids! Especially as they get older and are too cool to get a hug goodbye.🙄 Hope all the young people in your life have a great first day back.

The Disability Resource Centre in Paisley is more than a building - it’s a vital community with a beating heart. That was the message users and their carers made clear to me and councillor colleagues last week. We will continue to do all we can to ensure they are saved from its proposed closure.

Out speaking to Ferguslie Park residents yesterday, one told me “the best things that happen here, are done by the people here”. 💯 It’s of course the job of government to support that work, yet SNP cuts have been felt here, like the closure of the police station. It’s time for a new direction.

Marie Curie Scotland is calling for volunteers for its Companion Service at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. Companion Volunteers can make a real positive difference by emotionally supporting people at the end of life. For more info visit: mariecurie.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

Inspiring to visit the CIRCLE Recovery Hub which supports local people with mental health & addiction recovery. The Paisley based service recently won an NHS Celebrating Success award. Delighted to meet the volunteers & staff and present a @scotparl.bsky.social motion recognising this.

🏪 Shopworkers play an essential role — they should be thanked and respected, not harassed and abused, for their work. That’s the message from the summit on unacceptable abuse towards shopworkers I held in Paisley with @usdawunion.bsky.social, Insp. Ross Wilson, Paisley First & Cllr Janis McDonald.

🗣️Some say you only see politicians at elections. I’m working to change that during this recess. Great to be in Glenburn today listening to people about their issues - NHS, street cleaning and local care services. To let me know your views email: [email protected]

🥁 Tony Lawler is a true Paisley legend. He has laid down his drumsticks after 33 years of leading the town’s Sma’ Shot Day parade. A festival that remembers the weavers’ victory for fair pay. Thank you Tony!

My CrowdFunder to help kick-start my campaign to win Paisley at the 2026 Scottish Election is still open. If you are in a position to help then I would be very grateful for any support. Thank you to everyone who has already donated - it’s much appreciated.

🚗☔️🚙 Great to see Paisley town centre so busy for CarFest (despite the wet weather!) and to support some of our fantastic local businesses.

I have set up a CrowdFunder to help kick-start my campaign to win Paisley at the 2026 Scottish Election. If you are in a position to help then I would be very grateful for any support. I am standing to give our town the new direction it needs.

⛪ Pleasure to visit Paisley Abbey, one of Scotland's most stunning landmarks. A world-class attraction, rightly applying for UNESCO World Heritage status as part of a wider network of Cluniac sites across Europe. Thanks to David & The Revd Jim Gibson for the discussion.

In Paisley, just like in Hamilton, only @scottishlabour.bsky.social can beat the SNP in 2026 and give our community a new direction. Good to be out campaigning again this morning in Hawkhead with the Paisley Labour team!

🏥 A new NHS health centre in Paisley could make an important and much-needed addition to our town. This proposal must be properly explored without delay, and I will do all I can to encourage NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and the Scottish Government to progress it.

🇦🇹 All the best to Johnstone Burgh FC today! #MonTheBurgh

The SNP's Scotland in 2025: ✅ Waste £1 BILLION of taxpayers' money on over-budget new Barlinnie prison. ❌ Close and fail to invest in valued community Police Stations. My latest Paisley Daily Express column 👇

🇬🇧🇪🇺 The SNP’s response to the UK-EU deal is miserable, opportunistic, inconsistent and out of touch.

🇬🇧🇪🇺 While the new UK Labour government is resetting our relationship with the EU, the SNP only offer grandstanding and complaining from the sidelines. Clip from last week’s Europe debate in @parliament.scot last week 👇

Tomorrow I will vote against the Assisted Dying (Scotland) Bill.

8/5/45 was a milestone in world history - a terrible evil defeated. My grandad who fought in WW2 told me the emotions of #VEDay were relief, joy & sadness. On #VEDay80 we thank that generation & remember their sacrifices, collective resolve & courage that was crucial in victory.

After 18 years of the SNP, we need #ANewDirection in Scotland with a @scottishlabour.bsky.social government focused on getting the basics right like fixing our NHS.