Scottish Labour Party member, Claudia Beamish, is off to conference and once again asking herself the question "why did I agree to go?".

Here, she answers her own question by explaining what is positive about getting together with her party comrades.

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As a delegate, just before Scottish Conference is when I go through thinking "why did I ever agree to go?" - nothing to wear and everything to wash, speeches half prepared, unpaid leave and missing a Michael Marra concert.

Claudia Beamish will open a conference debate

Yet as I write, it all comes back - this is the time for members.

It's great to have time to say: "What did you mean by that?".

It's also a chance to talk issues through over a drink. I always leave conference understanding more about different perspectives within the Labour movement and how they do, or might, fit together.

Many delegates are passionate about a particular issue - perhaps because they have been personally touched by something, or because they have seen the positive effects particular action can have.

I am committed to sustainable development and am able to express this mainly with the Socialist Environment Resources Association (SERA) Scotland.

Identifying topical issues for fringe meetings has been an exciting challenge - GM crops, sustainable coastal communities and sustainable non-nuclear energy and energy efficiency opportunities for Scotland.

This year we are holding a fringe meeting with GMB Scotland and the Scottish Co-operative Party titled Biofuels, What future?

As a member of the Scottish Executive Committee, I want to try to ensure that conference is a positive experience, especially for young and new delegates

Conference gives us the time to really get thinking - are they sustainable?

In my view, at a time of so much trouble in the world over oil, we need to take infinite care not to replace one multinational industry with another, but to look instead to reducing our dependence on heavy consumption.

Let's remember Ken Saro-Wiwa.

This year is the start of a new policy process which will involve all members, leading to our next Scottish Parliament Manifesto.

I see this as our chance to explore beyond the horizon. I have drafted a discussion document "A Sustainable Scotland and Strong Rural Communities" with Sarah Boyack MSP. This is the starting point for a breakout session.

Classroom experience

I have been invited to a Women's Summit, hosted by Harriet Harman MP, to discuss delivering for women, at all levels of government.

I will be opening the education and skills policy debate on Sunday, which is a real opportunity to set the tone for a dynamic debate with questions such as how to engage the disaffected minority of pupils while enabling the majority to learn in every class they attend, without disruption.

As a member of the Scottish Executive Committee, I want to try to ensure that conference is a positive experience, especially for young and new delegates.

My son has just helped me hang up my washing - so, it's off to work and then off to conference.

Here's wishing everyone a good one.