Glasgow’s £1.7 million Tontine centre opened last week. It brings together the best in innovation and high technology for business in the city. I was at the launch, in the heart of the Merchant City, and had a guided tour of the facilities it offers. High Tech right enough.

The Tontine is the first project to be completed as part of the City Deal. It’s a billion pound plus programme for investment in the eight local councils in the Clyde Valley, although Glasgow is a prime benefactor. The City Deal is funded by the Scottish and Westminster governments along with the eight councils. The Tontine project aims to deliver more than 500 new jobs and more than £50m in investment in the city economy in the coming years.

Glasgow has already won the European Entrepreneur Region for 2016, but the Tontine takes our support for new businesses to a whole new level. It will offer a supportive business environment to entrepreneurs working in technology, design, manufacturing and the creative economy, so they can grow their businesses through the application of new revolutionary ideas for business development. The anticipation is that, in time, more than 100 businesses will have a base in the Tontine.

Interestingly, the Tontine building was where James Watt had his workshop once upon a time. You’ll know that it was Watt’s discoveries which kick-started the Industrial Revolution and so changed the course of human history. The legacy of James Watt and fellow Scottish luminaries like Alexander Graham Bell and John Logie Baird, is evident in the displays throughout the building. That’s inspiration for today from the history makers of the past.

But today’s innovators will focus not on a steam-powered future but a digital one. Glasgow has at its disposal the tools to make ground-breaking progress and change the world for the better. A lofty ambition perhaps, but one which will drive progress, create jobs and keep the city at the cutting edge of innovation for decades to come.

Glasgow has always adapted to the changing world. So it’s no surprise that we remain at the forefront of new enterprise for business. Historically James Watt et al have set a high benchmark, but with the talent and facilities at our disposal, our ambitions should should have no limits.

This was not the only new investment in unveiled in the city last week. Having been a teacher, I know that only by investing in education today will be able to guarantee prosperity and jobs tomorrow.

So last Friday I was proud that the official opening of Garrowhill Primary School took place in the east end of the city. The old school was a mix of old buildings and makeshift classrooms in huts, spread across the school yard. The new school couldn’t be more different with its bright, welcoming entrance hall and spacious new classrooms. It stands like a beacon to the future and the best that money can buy for its enthusiastic pupils. This is progress writ large in bricks and mortar.

Over the last four years your Labour council has been refurbishing or rebuilding every primary school in Glasgow as part of our £250m 4Rs programme. It’s the biggest schools investment of its kind in the country. Glaswegian children deserve the best environment possible to learn in so I’m proud to lead a council that is delivering first rate facilities for the city’s youngsters.

Last Sunday I had the privilege of helping to open the new Gurdwara in Berkley Street in the west end of the city. The magnificent Sikh temple will be a focal point for Glasgow’s Sikhs. But those of all faiths and none can glory in this new community asset. It’s spellbinding to stand beyond its portals and and admire its true magnificence.

Our Sikh brothers and sisters should be very proud of the contribution they make to our culture. As a religion that holds peace, understanding and equality above all else, there is much that all Glaswegians can learn from their approach to life.

Time and again we prove that People Make Glasgow is more than a marketing slogan, but an ethos born of our rich cultural heritage.

The new Gurdwara is a wonderful example of modern Glasgow – culturally diverse, respectful and welcoming.