It is the first week back in Parliament after summer recess and it is as busy and exciting as ever.

Yesterday, a package of 15 Bills were unveiled – led by the flagship Referendum Bill – including legislation to provide a minimum of 600 hours free early learning and childcare.

The Scottish Government also announced moves to improve the support available for victims and witnesses would be taken forward and they would legislate on the modernisation the criminal justice system.

I believe this programme proves we are taking steps to create fairer, more equal and more prosperous country. In the autumn of 2014, the people of Scotland will take the most important decision in 300 years and the Referendum Bill will lay the important groundwork needed for this. I strongly believe we need full control and the normal responsibilities of any independent nation to fully realise Scotland’s potential. However, this programme also proves that with the powers the Scottish Government has, they are investing in our children and young people. That is why the Children and Young People’s Bill is so welcome, along with the £18 million Early Years Change Fund that will support families.

We are also investing in our economy, using the powers we currently have to support jobs, growth and opportunities for all. The package of 15 Bills will see support for victims and witnesses improved and the criminal justice system modernised. The SNP has set out a clear vision for Scotland’s future focused on supporting fairness and economic development.

On Monday, I was delighted to join my colleagues in congratulating the Euan MacDonald Centre for Motor Neurone Disease research on its 5th anniversary.

The Centre and its staff are committed to providing comprehensive clinical services for MND patients and state-of-the-art research into the causes of MND, and new treatments for this devastating disease. I commended the centre for its integrated approach to research covering a wide range of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis, and hope that the broad, collaborative and multidisciplinary approach shown by the centre will lead to positive advancements in dealing with this range of degenerative diseases that can give improved outcomes for people with these diseases. I am sure you would all join me in wishing the centre the very best in the future and hoping that they continue their excellent work in the fight against Motor Neurone Dieses.

Also this week, I had the chance to rehearse my dance routine for ‘Strictly Come Prancing.’ This is my, along with my dance partner Keith Brown MSP’s bid to raise money for Aberlour Children’s Charity.  Aberlour is the largest, solely Scottish, children’s charity and which provides help to over 6000 of Scotland’s most vulnerable children, young people and their families each year. If you would like to attend; Tickets cost £50 and include a drinks reception, three course meal, live entertainment show and a disco. For more information, to book tickets or to nominate a couple to take part, email marie-claire.jones@aberlour.org.uk.

You can also donate to Aberlour here. http://www.justgiving.com/Christina-McKelvie-MSP0/

Have a great weekend and I hope to give you more updates very soon.

Christina.