Jo Swinson

Local MP Jo Swinson dropped in to a Rossvale FC practice recently to learn more about the Girls team and their progress since their 2010 launch

A big supporter of women and girls in sport, Jo was keen to meet with the Rossvale FC Girls' players and coaches. She dropped in to watch the girls go through their drills and practice plans on a chilly Saturday morning.

Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire met with Dr. Gillian MacIver, Leonie Bell and others concerned that the top end of Strathblane Road in Milngavie is too busy and fast for vulnerable pedestrians such as young people and the elderly. The residents would like to see the creation of a pedestrian crossing with traffic lights.

Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire makes the call in advance of Fairtrade Fortnight

A longstanding supporter of the Fair Trade Movement, Jo is urging all communities in East Dunbartonshire to become Fair Trade Towns as part of Scotland's quest to become one of the first Fair Trade Nations in 2012.

More than 55% of communities of 5,000 people or more need to be signed up as Fair Trade communities to reach this goal. Following a meeting with the steering group trying to make Lenzie a Fair Trade Town Jo hopes other communities will do the same. Communities can visit the Fairtrade Foundation website at www.step.fairtrade.org.uk for information on 'Taking a Step in 2012′ and the Scottish Fairtrade Forum at www.scottishfairtradeforum.org.uk to see what's going on in Scotland. Fairtrade Fortnight runs from 27 February - 11 March.

Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire gave the Reply from the Lassies at the annual fundraising event

On Friday February 10 Jo Swinson attended the 8^th annual Scouts Scotland Burns Supper. Hosted by comedian and broadcaster Andy Cameron, the night was a rip-roaring success with great food, entertainment and lots of laughs. Former MP and MSP Dennis Canavan gave a humours Toast to the Lassies, which Jo replied to in a similarly light-hearted style. All proceeds went to the Scout Association Scotland Scouting who offer challenges and adventure for boys and girls alike.

Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire is encouraging the community to take part in the UK Government's consultation

Jo is urging local residents to take part in a public consultation on Scotland's future launched by the Coalition Government.

On 11^th January Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore launched a public consultation on facilitating a legal, fair and decisive referendum on whether Scotland should leave the UK. At the moment the Scottish Government does not have the legal power to hold a referendum on independence and, while the UK Government's preference would be to devolve this power to the Scottish Government, this consultation was launched to seek people's views.

Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire met with local organisers to discuss the next steps

A longstanding supporter of the Fair Trade Movement, Jo met with Tracy Mitchell who is spearheading Lenzie's bid to become a Fair Trade Town, Marian Martin, Tom Gray and Liz Ibbitson. Many local groups are on board with the effort including the Community Council, schools, youth organisations, shops, offices and the larger community in general. During Fairtrade Fortnight, from Tuesday 6 - Saturday 10 March, fair trade food and crafts will be on sale and informational leaflets will be handed out at The Coffee Lounge.

'Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire met with members of the Redeeming Our Communities planning team to discuss what's next for Lenzie and Kirkintilloch

Jo recently met with Suze Bickerton and Sergeant Shona MacKay of Strathclyde Police (Safer Communities) from the charity group Redeeming our Communities (ROC), which has outlets and partnerships across the UK, about the group's plans to extend projects into the local area.

Local MP Jo Swinson accompanied constituent 9 year-old Euan McGeachie and his parents to examine the extent of litter along Allander Way

Earlier this week Jo went with concerned constituent Euan McGeachie for a walk on Allander Way in the heart of Milngavie between Auchenhowie and Dobbies. Following an email she received from the young constituent they examined the amount of rubbish left on the ground and in the river.

Jo Swinson MP toured the new facility at HMP Low Moss and received assurances on the prison's relationship with the local community

Jo was shown the state of the art facilities at HMP Low Moss yesterday by Governor Michael Stone. The new prison is set to open on 19^th March and will phase prisoners in over a 10 week period in order to ensure a smooth transition to being fully operational.

Turnbull High School & Lenzie Woodhead Gymnastics Club each receive £2000 to help the local community get active

Jo Swinson MP for East Dunbartonshire has congratulated two local organisations on being awarded funding from the Big Lottery Fund's 2014 Communities programme. The 121 grants worth £192,487 were made to a wide range of sporting projects across Scotland.