If my information is correct, Conservative MSP Jamie Greene will not be standing at the next Scottish Parliament elections.

The Tory politician, who has an office in Largs and represents the West of Scotland as a list MSP, will either step down or be deselected by the Conservative party over his support for the Gender Reform Bill.

Mr Greene has told the BBC he believes he was sacked from the Holyrood front bench for supporting Scotland's gender recognition reforms.

He has been replaced as party justice spokesman six months after voting to back the controversial Bill - which most Tory MSPs opposed although they were given a free vote. It has, of course, been blocked by the UK Government and will go to a Supreme Court hearing.

The Scottish Government's proposed reforms would make it easier for a man or woman to declare that they were the opposite sex without going through a medical process.

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Greene was asked whether he was being punished for his stance on gender reform. He said: "It's hard to take it any other way, to be honest."

I actually sought a face-to-face interview with the politician to discuss his support for Gender Reform but had to be content with an email exchange.

He referred me to his comments in the Scottish Parliament where he said he was opposed to "medicalisation" of changing gender and believed in the "fundamental freedom of gender equality."

Mr Greene, who is openly gay and co-convener of the parliament's LGBTI+ committee, stated in the Parliamentary debate that he had to look in the mirror and see whether he was on the right side of history.

He certainly didn't ask his constituents, nor his local members, whether they felt he was on the right side of the argument.

Personally, I believe that I am with the majority - as the SNP has found out - that simply don't accept that a person can just decide to be the gender they want to be without any qualification. At present, trans people require a medical assessment.

I contacted the politician directly in order to put the following questions to him: "Why did you oppose the amendment which would prevent sex offenders from changing their gender?"

And "what do you think of males being asked to tick a box about whether they are pregnant before giving blood, and being taken off the donor list when refusing such a daft question?"

Mr Greene chose not to answer.

Asked if he opposed his party's blocking of the Gender Reform Bill by use of Section 35 of the Devolution Act, he replied that it was their prerogative and he respected the courts.

I also asked whether he accepted Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's proposed legislation that biological sex would be the legal phraseology and understanding going forward. He declined to answer.

So, the Greenock man who came second to SNP MSP Kenneth Gibson and his MP wife Patricia Gibson in both the Scottish and General Elections in North Ayrshire will be seeking new employment very soon, if my sources are correct (and I am pretty well connected).

When I asked him he chose not to reply.

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Thought for the Week: The service you give on earth is the rent you pay for your room in heaven.

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Largs and Millport Weekly News:

There were two very encouraging stories about the good ship Waverley in this paper last week.

One, which could prove gilt-edged for the historic Clyde paddle steamer, is the agreement from Sir Tim Laurence, husband of HRH Princess Anne, to be the patron of the charity behind keeping the vessel sailing into Largs, Millport and other resorts on the Clyde and elsewhere.

Sir Tim, who has sailed on the Waverley, said it preserves heritage skills, social history as well as the fabric of the 77-year-old ship. "She is a sight to behold," he enthused.

Considering that its annual maintenance costs around £600,000, I would think that having a prominent royal 'on board' will help with future fund-raising which will run into millions.

The other story reflected the dedication of Millport folk in ensuring the Waverley can dock at the Keppel Pier, which is outside of the town. For the past three years volunteers turn out to grab and tie the ropes, and to assist with the disembarking of passengers.

If there was an award for self-sufficiency, Millport would surely win it, considering the scores of islanders who do everything from opening the public toilets, preserving and developing Garrison House and grounds, and raising multi-millions to re-open, refurbish and modernise the town hall.  Now, that's what I call pride in their home.