Like the schools, the council is in recess over the summer but, in partnership with community organisations, we have put in place a range of free activities for children and families.

Details of these are on the council's website and were advertised on social media.

The activities in Dumbarton area include free swim and gym sessions at the Meadow Centre.

Bellsmyre Digital Community is running its drone academy, gaming and virtual reality; Bellsmyre Development Trust organised a summer club involving group play, arts and crafts, cinema screenings and children’s party entertainers; Benview’s Rise N Shine programme includes arts and crafts, baking and health and wellbeing, with outdoor space for games and activities; Clifftop Projects runs art camps at the Phoenix; Milton Community Hall hosts cookery sessions, afternoon tea, jewellery making and games; Rock Community Church organised Summer at the Phoenix, including free lunch and activities; PACE Youth Theatre gives young people the chance to join the cast of a musical performance; and our libraries are running summer activities.

More information on all of this can be found on West Dunbartonshire Council's website here.

The council also organised Levengrove family fun days, including games, children’s pony rides, storytelling and nature activities.

We also approved an additional eight family fun days across the council area over the summer.

Admission to the Scottish Pipe Band Championships on July 29 is free and I’m pleased we secured long-term funding to ensure this event remains in Dumbarton.

I was extremely pleased to attend Dumbarton Castle Society's school's history project at the Concorde Centre last month, where I was able to see the great work done by our children across Dumbarton.

I extend a special thanks to all involved, including the children and teachers, for their hard work.

Looking a bit further ahead, the council recently started its Levelling-Up project with the Station Road and College Way works.

Glencairn House will take some time but the part-demolition is expected to start in September.

We also approved the Exxon project in June, which means a future east-west road, public access to greenspace and a new business park to support around 1,000 future jobs.

Despite the many challenges we face, we have a lot to look forward to this summer and in the coming months and years.

During the summer recess, I am contactable for any constituent enquiries throughout. You can get in touch by emailing Gurpreet.Johal@west-dunbarton.gov.uk or by calling 0772 130 2855.