Well the election results proved to be a startling evening for the SNP who against all expectations ended up with a majority government. For our own party it was a night of hardship as good MSPs failed to get returned and candidates who had given their all were left with the reality of only 5 seats secured in the new parliament.

So what now? I’m sure over the next few weeks and months the Scottish Liberal Democrat Party will seek to learn what lessons we can, not least how the Scottish party which scrapped tuition fees in Scotland, introduced free personal care, and has stood in defence of public services can ensure our record and ongoing work isn’t erased by the coalition none of us wanted.

For the Scottish Liberal Democrat Council Group, we now face our own re-election campaign next May. In Maryhill Kelvin, Councillor Mary Paris and I will be working  just as hard this year as the last four to show that we can, and indeed do, make a difference in our communities every day.

From defeating plans for a nightclub in the Botanic Gardens, saving our local post office in Kelvindale, to securing the funding to keep Ledgowan and Cadder Community Halls open and winning over £150,000 in new funding for the Hub in Wyndford, we’ve worked with local residents and community activists to defend services and improve our communities.

If the Scottish Liberal Democrats are to succeed next year it will be because each day party members rise and ask themselves a simple question, how will I help make things better for my community today?