As we approach the end of another year and look ahead to a new one, it’s more important than ever that we do so with hope and optimism. Those are sentiments that are sometimes hard to come by. At a time when many people are struggling to get by and face huge difficulties in making ends meet, it can be tough to feel optimistic. But it is at times like these that hope is needed most.

And it is why I will continue to drive forward my business interests and my wider special project work to help benefit as many people as possible. My own year has been one of many challenges, but also one of solid achievements which pave the way for more successes in 2026 and beyond. However, the festive season can be particularly tough for those facing uncertainty over their livelihoods.

And that includes the many workers affected by the industrial plant closures across Scotland this year.

Shutdowns at places like Grangemouth and Mossmorran have left many fearing for their future. But it has also raised the prospect that Scotland could be facing an industrial wipeout similar to the 1980s, which left so many families and communities feeling abandoned.

I am determined to do all I can as a leading Scottish business voice to try and avert that.
And it is why I give evidence recently to the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee and their inquiry into industrial transition in Scotland.

I was also pleased to accept an invitation from First Minister John Swinney to meet with him at his official Bute House residence in Edinburgh earlier this year, to discuss the unfolding situation at Grangemouth.

That is the kind of positive engagement I aim to have with leading politicians from all parties. And, as Scotland gears up for a pivotal year in politics with the Holyrood election next May, I will continue to work with all sides.

That open, cross-party approach to politics is one I would like to see more of all-round.
So, I was delighted earlier this year to help launch, in partnership with the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling disillusionment with politics.

“Political Conversations” takes leading figures from front-line politics into schools to debate with each other in front of an audience of senior level pupils as well as engaging directly with students themselves.

As co-Founder of the initiative, I’m pleased to have agreed to help fund the project into next year as it looks to expand its work.

At a time when public debate is beset by polarisation, division and at times outright toxicity, it is so important that we help show young people, including the potential leaders of tomorrow, that politics can be a force for good and can be conducted in a civil way, whatever people’s disagreements.

The first Political Conversations event took place in June at Kilmarnock Academy, and was a huge success, being warmly received by pupils, staff and politicians.

It was not the only time I was back at my old school this year. I also paid a visit after being invited to deliver the keynote speech to pupils and invited guests at the school’s annual prizegiving ceremony.

It’s the kind of local community event that I thoroughly enjoy taking part in.

I also delivered the keynote address at the Rotary Club of Kilmarnock’s Young Achievers’ Dinner. And more recently, I visited East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action (EACHA) and St Joseph’s Church to support their Christmas food provision work. That builds on the faith summit of local religious leaders which was held at HALO last year.

These events are so important in fostering a sense of community togetherness and are the kind of initiatives I will continue to lend my support to from my base here at HALO.

HALO itself remains in prime position to benefit from a partnership with energy manufacturers XLCC as part of the company’s plans to bring hundreds of jobs to Ayrshire.

My other project work this year has included my ongoing role as Founding Ambassador for the University of Edinburgh’s ENDO1000 research project aimed at improving diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis.

The campaign recently announced it had broken through the halfway point towards its target of raising £1 million. And, thanks to ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government, it is hoped that figure can be boosted further.

This year has also been a busy one for my media engagements, which has included output with the BBC, STV, Radio Clyde, the Scotsman, the Herald and the Daily Record & Sunday Mail.

I have particularly enjoyed taking part in STV’s Scotland Tonight programme as a panelist to discuss key economic and business issues.

And more recently, I was pleased to make my debut on BBC Scotland’s Debate Night show, alongside leading politicians for a lively discussion in front of an equally lively Glasgow audience at the city’s revamped Citizens’ Theatre.

2025 has been a busy and productive year, but one which shows there can be no let up in efforts to support our communities, rebuild our industries and create opportunities for our young people.

2026 will be a year in which I redouble my work on all those fronts.

WATCH the best bits from across the year captured below…