"Why do we go into politics? It’s a simple question, and the answer usually boils down to ‘I want to make a difference’, ‘I want to make things better’ or ‘I want to change things’. After the expenses scandal there is also an added element of "I want to help restore trust in politics and politicians."
"There can be fewer things more satisfying than working hard in a team to improve a small corner of the world, then stopping at the end of the day, looking at what you’ve achieved and feeling happy that the benefits of your graft are clear to see and are of benefit to all.
"So it was on Saturday 10th October, when Conservatives across Scotland carried out a day of social action. Parliamentary candidates rolled up their sleeves, aided and abetted by friends, party colleagues and members of the public.
"I was part of a big event to tidy up the grounds surrounding Molendinar Family Learning Centre. The area was scarred with graffiti and dog mess, paint was flaking off the gates and fences, the site had a problem with fly-tipping and litter. The centre itself does fantastic work and while they already had fenced-off areas for different age groups to play in under supervision, they wanted the rest of the site to be safer for the children who use it.
"More than 30 volunteers turned up, including the Scottish Conservative leader, Annabel Goldie. We also had Bill Aitken MSP manning the wheelbarrow and Councillor David Meikle and PPC John Bradley helping to oversee operations.
"In nearly six hours we managed to re-erect the perimeter fence, conduct a massive litter-pick, scrub away the graffiti, cut back the weeds, repaint the playground games, de-weed a patch and turn over soil so the gardening club can start planting, strim back all the high grass, paint gates and fences and put up signs to stop dog fouling.
"The learning centre also told us that they wanted some new play equipment for their 3-5 year olds so we bought and built a Wendy house for the little ‘uns and brightened the whole place up with a host of planters and flowers.
"It was a brilliant effort from all concerned and we’ve really helped the centre which provides such a great service to the local area. Thanks to everyone who came along, and to Carol Lang from GCSS and the graffiti team from Glasgow City Council for their professional help.
"We filled an entire skip with the rubbish and fly-tipping we picked up and with the dozens and dozens of black sacks of weeds we cleared. We really did make a difference to the small corner of the world which is Molendinar. And that’s what you get into politics for; to engage with local communities, to roll up your sleeves, get stuck in and together to make things better."