WE live in an age of cities.

For the first time in history, humanity is an urban species.

More than half the world's population lives in cities. By 2050 that will rise to a staggering 75%.

Across the world a metropolitan revolution is under way but at home an overly centralised Scottish Government is obsessed with nation building. The White Paper on independence doesn't even recognise the role of Scotland's cities.

It is time for the Government to wake up and recognise that if we're to create jobs and grow the economy then cities need the power and resources to deliver.

Fighting over powers between Holyrood and Westminster misses the point. That is why I was delighted to join 150 political leaders from cities across the world in Liverpool last week at the BT Global Leaders Summit.

The role of cities has never been more prominent. Governments may sign pledges on carbon reduction and job creation but it is cities that are delivering on them.

Glasgow has more in common with major British cities such as Liverpool, Manchester and Newcastle than we do with much of Scotland. We have a proud shared history and the thought of Liverpool and Glasgow being in foreign countries is a heartbreaking prospect.

So when the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, urged Scots to stay in the Union he did so because he recognises the shared opportunities our cities have.

I want Glasgow to have more power devolved from both Westminster and Holyrood to let us get on with the job of supporting businesses and creating opportunities for our citizens.

The Mayor of Liverpool's pledge to stand shoulder to shoulder with Glasgow was not an empty gesture.

By urging Glasgow to stay in the union, he was making a heartfelt plea to a sister city.

We forged the industrial revolution together. Together we fought fascism in the Second World War.

We've together regenerated our cities in recent years. And as we look to a future where the role of cities becomes more prominent, we're better together.

IT IS that time of year again when schoolchildren across Glasgow look forward to six glorious weeks of summer holiday.

At schools across the city, these last few weeks will have seen sports days, summer fetes and the last minute stress of exams.

I remember how excited I was by the summer school holidays and I know that the youth of today are no different.

However I suspect many parents won't share that enthusiasm.

With a record level of activity in the city coinciding with the Commonwealth Games there will be lots to keep our young people occupied this summer.

Our schools do a fantastic job and our students, teachers and wider school community deserve a well-earned rest.

I wish everyone a safe and happy summer.