I WAS as disappointed as the next person to hear that the Glasgow Christmas light switch on had to be cancelled last Sunday due to concerns over weather conditions which of course turned out to be entirely justified.

It was late on Friday afternoon when I received the call and I have to say I totally agreed with the council's decision as safety for the public, especially with all of the little ones who would have been in George Square that night, absolutely had to come first.

Although I won't lie that the mere thought of belting out Mariah Carey’s ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ while dressed as a mermaid was definitely on my bucket list.

I had spent most of that day down at BBC Radio Scotland as I'd been asked to come on and have a chat with the lovely Bryan Burnett and sing a song for the Children in Need programme which was being broadcast live from the BBC at Pacific Quay alongside Fame Academy’s Lemar and the wonderful Hugh and Cry boys.

I sang my own version of Wet Wet Wet’s Goodnight Girl, accompanied beautifully on the piano by my good friend and MD of Soundsational Choir Mr Tommy Chambers because I've always loved that track and I thought a song from that particular band was quite apt due to the horrific weather battering down around us outside.

Afterwards I went home, got my onesie on and snuggled up on the sofa to watch the live Children in Need Show when I noticed my Twitter feed had exploded with news of the shootings in France.

Very quickly the tragic details unfolded and there was no question that Paris once again had fallen victim to an unthinkable act of terrorism only 11 months after the Charlie Hebdo attack.

My heart weeps for all of the innocent victims who have lost their lives in Paris and in other parts of the world in these unspeakable circumstances and can only hope and pray that peace will come quickly and put an end to this senseless killing.

I felt quite sombre on Saturday like most people and later that evening attended my lovely friends Johnny Mac and Steph Fulton's engagement party where I felt so lucky and blessed to be surrounded by good friends celebrating love and happiness.

I first met the happy couple in 2012 while we were performing together in the Wizard That Never Woz Panto at the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow and we’ve been great pals ever since.

The party was like being at a fabulous big work reunion with the likes of River City’s Stephen Purdon, Leah MacRae and James McAnerney in attendance not to mention Kick Ass creator Mark Millar, This Morning's Liam Dolan and my favourite Queen of the airwaves Cat Harvey to name but a few.

It was a great night with a great bunch of people all celebrating the love of one very special couple.

One thing that struck me though after the weekend's atrocities is that no matter how the powers that be try to resolve this terrible conflict it’s absolutely crucial that we do not allow borders to go up and for dangerous divisions to appear between the citizens of the world.

Because when it comes down to it, that's what we all are, we are all equal and we are all human beings regardless of race or religion and that's exactly what these extremists are trying to dismantle.

Tomorrow marks my sister Laura's 30th birthday and all I can say is what an incredible 30 years you've had doll.

I remember the day you were born, Lynsey and I were convinced we saw a giant big stork fly over the house towards the hospital carrying a big brown wicker basket with you in it. As soon as we got you home you were from that day onwards our new shiny baby sister and we vowed to take care of you always not knowing that we would be blessed again with a further two more baby sisters over the next few years.

Being the middle child of five bonkers girls can't have been easy and you went on to excel in everything you did. You were the first to get married (thanks for that by the way) and almost two years ago you gave us the greatest gift of all, little Sam James Casey.

Happy Birthday Laura, all the McManiacs love you very much and we hope you have the most fantastic day. xxx