I really enjoyed attending the groundbreaking ceremony at Todhill Country Centre in Stevenston recently, with Kenneth Gibson MSP, which saw the beginning of the construction of 17 supported residential homes.

This work is being undertaken by The Richmond Fellowship Scotland, across its 105 acre Todhill Farm site. The Richmond Fellowship is Scotland's largest social care and support provider and already provides residential accommodation, training and employment to adult males with long-term limiting conditions or support needs.

This site is currently home to the charity's day centre service where those benefiting from support have the opportunity to participate in a whole range of vocational and educational activities such as horticulture, arts and crafts, and animal husbandry.

This development will massively improve the charity's accommodation facilities at this site and represents a significant investment in the community of Stevenston and North Ayrshire.

I look forward to this development being completed and the benefit and support it will provide to service users across North Ayrshire.