"Our mental health affects the way we think, feel and behave. A mental health problem can feel just as bad, or worse, than any other illness" - SAMH website - www.samh.org.uk

I believe one of the biggest health challenges we currently face in the modern world is also still one of the least talked about and perhaps still thought of as a taboo subject. 

Great work has been undertaken in recent years in raising awareness  of mental health and the importance of sufferers talking and seeking help but there's still a long way to go before mental health is taken as seriously as a physical health problem.

I, like many others, face challenges each day, week, month and year with coping with my thoughts in everyday family and business life.

On the days that don't go well for me, it affects my mood, my thoughts and my actions. There have been a few serious low points for me over the years but thankfully I have found and invested in methods and tactics that help me cope.

From meditating, journalling, joining groups, to paper exercises such as asking myself a series of questions about my thoughts I have been able to help ease any major issues I could have had.

One of those methods of coping is running - I have found changing my physical state either with running or a brisk walk to be one of my best tactics to help my mind and thoughts.

Unfortunately there are many people affected by mental health - many people in everyday walks of life who from an outside perspective seem happy, seem successful and seem contented with life.

But on the inside they are not coping with their thoughts. They are in a dark place inside and don't know what to do to help ease their troublesome thoughts.

In recent years there has been an increase in awareness regarding mental health but there is a long way to go before, not only at public level but also at government level, mental health issues are deemed as important as a physical health issue.

This year as part of my Stirling Marathon 26.2 mile challenge I would like to raise awareness and would welcome your support in donating to help the Scottish Association of Mental Health and the work they do to help and care for those affected by mental health.

Please consider donating at www.scottmclean.charity

Thank you for your Support
Scott McLean
www.scottmclean.scot

Do you really know who is installing the security system in your property? 

We work hard to maintain and are proud of our NSI GOLD accreditation. 

It is widely recommended in the UK that you use NSI or SSAIB approved installers for your Security Alarm system.

Watch this video clip from Fake Britain to see how easy it is to fall into the trap and trust rogue installers.

Using an NSI approved installer such as Stirling Alarms gives you confidence in the integrity of the alarm system installation, maintenance and 24/7 monitoring process.

The campaign to regulate the electrical industry in Scotland reached the Scottish Parliament today with a debate in the main chamber following a motion put forward by Jamie Halcro Johnston MSP.

The campaign to 'Regulate Electricians as a Profession' is led by electrical trade association SELECT and is supported by Unions and other industry bodies.

Today's debate is an important milestone in the campaign process bringing the need to improve electrical safety in homes and business properties to MSP's, parliament and the wider public.

Further information on the campaign:-
​- Electricians as a Profession - The Case for Regulation
- Scottish Public Expresses shock and disbelief as SELECT reveals dangers of rogue electricians
- Article 1
- Article 2
- Article 3
- Article 4

The debate can be viewed here thanks to Scottish Parliament TV.

Later this week myself and fellow electrical colleagues will attend the Scottish Parliament.

On Thursday 25th October just after First Ministers Questions a debate brought forward by MSP Jamie Halcro Johnstone will take place to support the Regulation of Electricians as a Profession. 

I have mentioned on this blog previously about an ongoing campaign by electrical trade association SELECT to bring legal status to electricians as a 'Profession' - similarly like Gas engineers, essentially making it mandatory that those that carry out electrical work in Scotland be fully trained and have up to date qualifications to carry out such work. 

Currently anyone with no training or qualifications can carry out electrical work and legally at the moment there is nothing stopping them carry out such work, if this work is carried out by someone with no formal electrical training or past qualifications that have no or little relevance to the latest electrical regulations then the work could cause harm to property and put lives at risk. Presently the homeowner or business property owner has no mandatory regulated formal way of checking the qualifications of the person carrying out the work.

The parliament Motion calls for support in regulating the electrical industry where only those with up to date and ongoing electrical training and qualifications can carry out electrical work within Scotland and for a mandatory regulated register of qualified electricians/companies.  Failure to do so and still carry out electrical work would then be illegal - similar to Gas work.

The campaign by the hard working group at SELECT has gathered pace and now has the support of other electrical organisations and trade unions and will now have a voice at this parliament debate. 

I have today written to my local MSP highlighting this campaign and parliament debate and will update with more news later in the week after the debate on Thursday.

In the meantime if anyone has any questions or queries about why the Regulation of Electricians as a Profession is important please ask in the comment section below or in a reply to my social media posts.

22 years ago today (8th October) my business life began with an electrical job at Smiths Restaurant in Stirling. 
It's been a long journey since then with so many ups and downs and so many wins and losses where every day there is another lesson to be learned. 
Thank you to all who have supported me and Stirling Electrical Services Ltd. (SES) over the past 22 years, especially my very supportive wife.

Watching Europe regain Golf's Ryder Cup you cannot fail to witness the emotional scenes displayed by the winning Europeans.

​
Of course winning an event such as the Ryder Cup will always spark emotions from the winning team but I believe the success and especially the margin of victory for Europe over their opponents USA comes down to a major factor, which is that Europe play as a team.

Yes, in golf, football, rugby and any team sport to succeed at the highest level there is no doubt you require individuals with the highest skill and ability but individuals with the highest skill and ability is not necessarily always a good thing if they don't have the fire and commitment to fight for and help other members of their team. 

You can relate to this throughout any team sport at any level from kids through to world class teams and you can also relate to this in business.

As an employer with a growing team of electricians ideally I require a team who can carry out as many of the different skillsets and services required from an electrician but I would be foolish to believe every single electrician on my team can carry out all the different skills and services required.

Training and guidance is provided to each individual for them to gain new skills over a course of time  but I must initially work with my team around the capabilities of the individuals. 

And while training and guidance takes place  I will be working and reminding each individual that they are part of a team, that when one person wins and completes a  job that the end customer is happy about then it is a win and accomplishment for us all - for our team.

We win together and we also pull together when required. Team members digging deep and helping each member of their team to succeed the same way as they would do so for themselves is the ultimate goal for leaders in team participation. 

So in your own world of team's whether that be in sport, business or work what more can you do to help out another team member say solve that problem, move the project forward, complete that task, give them a helping hand or provide support and motivation at your next game or match.

One for All and All for One.

Oh, and what a brilliant team effort and victory - well done Europe.

My new podcast is now available where I will discuss business, fitness and family.

Hopefully I will provide some words of wisdom along the way.

The podcast is available to listen and subscribe to on a host of popular platforms including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

Full details are on my new podcast page.