Needless to say, since I last wrote this column, Scottish politics has been through a fair number of dramatic twists and turns.

Headlines have been awash with all of Holyrood’s familiar faces, complete with all the political gossip of the day.

While I would, of course, like to welcome John Swinney to his new role as First Minister, I want to use my column to focus less on Holyrood’s political soap opera, and more on the local people who continue to serve their communities.

For instance, North Ayrshire has seen many well-performing businesses celebrating huge milestones. The Boutique Hair Spa in Largs, for example, has reached their 10th anniversary and will be running a series of promotion days thanking local customers for their continued support.

Across the water on Cumbrae, Mapes of Millport have been recognised as the best cycle hire shop in Scotland by the Scottish Prestige Awards. On top of this, The Sassy Pooch dog groomers in Saltcoats and Irvine’s Bakery have also received awards for delivering excellent services throughout the community.

These organisations prove that despite the challenges faced by businesses in the west of Scotland, North Ayrshire is an excellent place for a new generation of entrepreneurs and investors to set up and grow.

North Ayrshire can also be immensely proud of the community groups who represent the very best of their local areas.

I was pleased to read about Studio 44 in Largs holding an art exhibition in efforts to raise money for civilian aid in Ukraine and Gaza. The RNLI in Largs have also celebrated a successful year in fundraising for their life-saving efforts and have been generously supported by grateful locals.

It is also important to pay tribute to the organisations who support people caring for vulnerable family members.

The Ayrshire Hospice have recently set up a weekly 'support hub' in Kilwinning, which aims to give patients easier access to care. After a successful run last year, the Virtual Dementia Bus will also be returning to Largs to educate people on identifying early symptoms and caring for those susceptible to the disease.

With palliative care and NHS services becoming as topical as ever, I would also like to congratulate a new generation of assistant practitioners who have recently finished their training with NHS Ayrshire and Arran.

I wish them the best in their role going forward and thank all NHS staff who continue to deliver essential healthcare in our hospitals, GP practices and pharmacies across North Ayrshire, despite the challenges this sector faced in recent years.

I would like to end on a personal note by congratulating Mary Hume on her recent by-election victory in Kilwinning, and I wish her the best in serving her community.

I would also like to pay my respects to the family of my recently passed Conservative colleague, Cllr John Glover.

John served as the bedrock of his community since his election in 2017 and will be sorely missed by all in the council chambers.