Jackie Baillie was delighted to welcome Pastor Oli Higham of Rock Community Church to the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday 6^th June to lead Time for Reflection.

His was the opening contribution at the start of the parliamentary week which is aimed at allowing members to reflect on their public duties.

During his powerful speech, he named a number of valued community members in the west end of Dumbarton where Oli is involved with the Rock Community Church and the Phoenix community hub.

He travelled to Edinburgh for the day with his wife Aliona and children Sofia, 13, and Theo, 11.

The family enjoyed a tour around the Scottish Parliament building after Time for Reflection.

The Dumbarton constituency MSP said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome Oli and his family to the Parliament. His Time for Reflection was incredibly moving as he paid tribute to so many community champions in Dumbarton who continually go above and beyond the call of duty for others. This is what makes the community of Dumbarton and the surrounding areas so amazing.

“Oli and the team at the Rock Community Church and the Phoenix do incredible work within the areas of Westcliff, Castlehill and Brucehill and it was really heartwarming to hear of some of the ways in which they help inspire and encourage people to thrive.”

Pastor Oli Higham said: “I was delighted to lead Time for Reflection.

“It was an honour to be able to bring the stories of the community work which goes on in Dumbarton every day to a wider audience. I am sure this is replicated across the country and I hope this inspired Members of the Scottish Parliament to focus on this when making important decisions which matter to each and every one of us living in Scotland.”