"As provost of East Renfrewshire, I'm looking forward to another year of meeting more members of our lively community and that is one of the great pleasures of the job that I do.

"I am constantly impressed by the number of people I meet who give their time freely for others and who work for a better society across the board.

"I know that the current economic climate has not made it easy for many in our community. But it's precisely in those circumstances that people have shown their best by looking out for others.

"This year, I pledge to work with and for all the people of East Renfrewshire by continuing to develop a more equal society in which we mutually support one another, celebrate diversity and respect individual belief and conviction.

"I'll be celebrating new year with my family and my three grandsons will ensure that it will be anything but quiet.

"I don't know how quiet or noisy your own new year will be, but, once again, may I extend every good wish to all in East Renfrewshire on behalf of myself and all the councillors and staff of the council and hope that 2010 will be a happy and successful year for you and yours".