The Scottish Minister for Public Health, Michael Matheson MSP, visited South Lanarkshire on Wednesday 16 November to meet staff at Clannalba Respite and Transitional Assessment Service run by Scottish Autism. The Minister was welcomed by Adam Brodie, Regional Manager, Alan Somerville, CEO and Jackie Tufft, Director of Autism Services.

Clannalba, near Biggar, has operated since 1996, during which time it has supported over 700 families with children and young adults diagnosed with autism. It provides respite care offering breaks ranging from a few hours to several weeks over holiday periods. It is also one of the few places in Scotland to offer a transitional support service where young and mature adults with autism can be prepared for a more independent life.

Speaking during his visit, Michael Matheson said: "I am delighted to visit Biggar to learn more about how Scottish Autism's Clannalba Respite and Transitional Assessment Service helps people with autism lead fulfilled lives. We want to build on improvements to services for people with autism which is why the Scottish Government and COSLA recently launched the Scottish Strategy for Autism, backed up with £13.4m of new resources. This new resource will be used to appoint local autism co-ordinators to help ensure people with autism are given the care and support they need in a way which promotes their independence and emotional well-being."

Scottish Autism CEO, Alan Somerville, said: "We're delighted to welcome the Minister to hear first-hand about the great work going on at Clannalba. This is a real centre of excellence here in South Lanarkshire supporting both younger and more mature people with autism and helping improve their  quality of life. Facilities like Clannalba highlight the important work that is currently being done in Scotland to enhance the opportunities available to people with autism, The autism strategy gives us a great platform to increase this focus on improving the lives of people with this condition."