Politicians and the media are often criticised for focusing on the negative aspects of Glasgow, so it was great to see so many people turn out to witness the launch of the first phase of regeneration in Laurieston.

The £90million scheme will transform this part of central Glasgow, building an initial 201 homes, before adding an extra 600 in later stages alongside shops, business premises, leisure and community facilities.

Laurieston is one of eight Transformational Regeneration Areas within our city that have been targeted as priorities for redevelopment. They are being financed by Glasgow City Council, the New Gorbals Housing Association and the Scottish Government.

The plans will see the reinstatement of an 'urban grid' that will link the regenerated area to the city centre, as well as Crown Street and Tradeston, and reinstate the Gorbals Cross as the historical marker of Laurieston and Hutchesontown.

At the centre of the plans is the creation of a 'green city park' and the transformation of Bridge Street and Eglinton Street into a local high street and transportation hub.

Residents, councillors and community groups, such as Laurieston Community Council, have worked tirelessly for many years to make these plans a reality and I am delighted for all involved that work has finally started.

There has also been good news for another fantastic project in Glasgow because the Calton Heritage and Learning Centre received more than £800,000 of National Lottery funding to help create a lasting legacy to the East End community.

We must always strive to improve our communities, continuing our city's renewal that has seen many areas transformed after decades of neglect.

The hard work and investment from Glasgow City Council has turned some of the most deprived areas of our city back into vibrant communities, places where our young people now want to remain and raise their families.

I WAS delighted to take part in a debate on BBC Scotland with representatives from other parties to discuss the key issues on possible Scottish independence.

We were pressed and challenged by a very well informed and articulate audience, looking for answers to the many questions that still remain around possible separation.

The referendum, likely to be in 2014, will be the biggest decision our country has faced in more than 300 years.

That's three centuries of shared history, shared security and shared prosperity.

Every one who was on the panel and in the audience loves our country – we just have different ideas about what is best for Scotland's future.

I passionately believe Scotland is better emotionally, socially, politically and economically in the United Kingdom.

That is why I will be making the positive case for working in partnership with England, Wales and Northern Ireland.