The Scottish drugs death rate is now three times higher than the UK average – and has more than doubled on the SNP’s watch.

BioAscent welcomed Graham Simpson, MSP for Central Scotland, on site this week to showcase its biology, chemistry and state-of-the-art compound management and library facilities.

Graham Simpson MSP visited the Marie Curie Hospice, Glasgow and met with representatives from Marie Curie to hear about the care available for people living with a terminal illness, and their families, in the hospice and in the community nursing services across Central Scotland.

The total number of ASN and learning support teachers has fallen by 31 per cent in secondary schools throughout South Lanarkshire. The number has dropped from 81 in 2013 to 56 in 2018.

Graham Simpson MSP has successfully lodged an amendment to the Scotland Planning Bill which would introduce mediation int the planning system.  The successful vote took place yesterday and will become part of Scotland’s planning system.

I recently asked South Lanarkshire Council for an update following their survey – helped by me – of residents on possible proposals for residents parking zones in Hairmyres. I have received the response below. I am following up on all this with a meeting with the council.

Graham Simpson MSP is calling on South Lanarkshire Council to appoint a dedicated empty homes officer.

It follows a session in the Scottish Parliament in which he quizzed South Lanarkshire housing officer Maureen Flynn about their strategy to bring empty homes back into use.

A report published today is calling for regular building inspections, the establishment of compulsory owners’ associations and Building Reserve Funds to be written into legislation to protect the future of Scotland’s tenement buildings.

Clinical waste from Scottish hospitals is to be sent 250 miles away to the Welsh town of Wrexham – despite Nicola Sturgeon’s promise of a “climate emergency”.

Figures released this week have revealed that the number of disabled people on housing lists in South Lanarkshire has risen by over 182 per cent in the last two years.