I was dismayed about hearing of the closure of the Royal Bank of Scotland in Helensburgh in September.

It has been part of the town for many years. I wrote to the bank expressing my concerns on behalf of many of my constituents and helped my fellow councillor, Fiona Howard, on the last Saturday of April collect more than 100 signatures for a petition calling on the bank to remain open.

I seriously hope they reconsider their decision especially as not all of their customers are able to access banking online.

In the middle of May I popped into Jean's Bothy the mental health hub in Helensburgh.

I had some tea with a trainee social worker, a user of the hub and Katrina Sayer, Jean's Bothy development manager, and while I was there, there was a women's sewing group on.

It is a fantastic facility and I would recommend anyone struggling with their mental health to go along.

Also Jean's Bothy will be hosting their annual car boot sale in Colgrain Bowling Club on Saturday, June 8 at 10am (set up from 9am).

Pitches for the car boot sale cost £10 each and can be booked by contacting Nigel on 0774786329 or 01436 268629.

Another matter was brought to my attention again last month and that is the ongoing problem of speeding on West Montrose Street.

Several of my constituents contacted me after there had been a couple of serious crashes on consecutive days on that street due to speeding.

I contacted the police area commander and the roads officer at the council about this matter and I hope they come up with a permanent solution to this pressing problem before there is a fatality.

It was a shock to hear of the sudden death of my Liberal Democrat colleague and ex council leader Robin Currie on Islay last month.

I had known Robin for over eight years and he was a well liked and hard working councillor who had done the job for over three decades.

He was also kind and supportive and has left a lasting legacy not only in Islay but the whole of Argyll and Bute. The council will miss his experience and leadership.

Finally, I still hold a surgery on the last Saturday of every month between 10am and 11am if any of my constituents wish to attend with issues regarding the council.