Earlier this month I had the opportunity to make a couple of really exciting visits to Bankhead Primary School where I had the chance to meet some of the senior pupils who were running for school house elections and to attend their Question Time style event – where the pupils gave Fiona Bruce a run for her money as they grilled Paul Sweeney MSP and I about our roles in Glasgow’s City Chambers and in the Scottish Parliament.

From the toughest cases we’ve had to deal with, information on the committees we’re a part of, how we first got involved in politics to what we picked at school we covered everything. I must say the pupils were far more interested in Paul’s tales of working in a shipyard than mine about studying broadcasting.

It’s always been one of my favourite parts of being a councillor getting to visit some of our younger constituents, to allow them to ask us incredibly thought-provoking questions as their local representatives but also to hear directly from them about their priorities whether for the local area, the area they all call home or their big ideas to improve their school community.

I mentioned that I had the privilege of being invited to observe the school house elections at Bankhead. It was really lovely and inspiring to hear each of the many candidates step up and tell their classmates the personal qualities they would bring to the role and also the issues they would focus on if they were elected. A running theme from the speeches was about working together and listening to others – they would ensure they would be a representative for everyone, not just those who may be voting for them.

This is a message that I think a lot of politicians could take note of.

I want to congratulate all those who were elected as a house captain, and also commend every single pupil who put themselves up for election – it takes a lot to do that and I was so impressed with the confidence and passion from every contribution. I’m sure we saw some future councillors, MSPs and MPs in that room!

I’ll end by thanking Miss Lindores for having me along to see the great work all of the children have been working on and to all of our teachers across Garscadden/Scotstounhill who continue to go above and beyond to inspire and encourage our city’s young people to be the best they can be.