This year past was my first full year serving as Provost of East Dunbartonshire and it has been a whirlwind 12 months during which I have attended many wonderful events
in our towns and villages.
This Summer I launched the Provost's Community Champion Awards and got to meet the exceptional people working hard to make their communities stronger, cleaner, more cultured and more tolerant. The Champions were nominated by teachers, friends, neighbours and family - much to their surprise - for service to the community that they do without thinking or asking for anything in return. They were all truly inspiring and each had a touching story of how they came to be involved in the service and support they provide.
All year round, in every corner of East Dunbartonshire there are people making a difference. I'm lucky enough to see much of that work first hand by attending gala days, theatre shows, concerts, festive events and countless other celebrations of the talent and community spirit we have here.
By way of giving back, the Depute Provost and I did the Provost Pentathlon, achieving more and raising more money than we could ever have hoped for. We were highlighting the work of two incredible charities who support young people in times of need - East Dunbartonshire Association for Mental Health (EDAMH) and Young Lives vs Cancer. Thanks to everyone who donated.
One of the highlights of my job is to welcome all the New Scots to Kilmardinny House for their Citizenship Ceremony on behalf of all their friends, neighbours and relatives. They work so hard to achieve their British Citizenship so they can live, work or study in East Dunbartonshire. It’s always a happy day! I also love to share in the celebrations of other local families celebrating 100th birthdays or special wedding anniversaries. It's my privilege to help mark these amazing milestones.
In October I joined the staff and pupils of Woodland View School in Waterside, Kirkintilloch to officially open our brand-new bespoke school which supports children and young people from nursery to school leavers with additional support needs in new and adaptive ways. What a joyous evening as the young people entertained us in their fantastic new building.
There's more good news ahead for our schools as the Council has been successful in its bid for funding to build a new Lenzie Academy. This will be a significant building project for the town and the council, but importantly will complete the secondary school project started many years ago.
We have a wealth of musical talent in our schools, especially at Douglas Academy Music School and through our Instrumental Music Service. We have lots of young people engaged in community life through the Youth Council, Youth Parliaments and as Youth Ambassadors and Youth Champions. We must continue to encourage them and all our pupils.
This year has brought some personal sadness for me and my family with my Mum's passing. I want to thank everyone who reached out to us to say how much my Mum meant to them over the years. It was very comforting at a difficult time for us. She spent many happy years in Bishopbriggs, Lenzie, and Kirkintilloch and still kept in touch with friends and old neighbours when she visited.
As I round up this message I'd like to mention everyone in our communities who will sacrifice family time over the festive season to carry out vital emergency work in the service of others. Huge thanks to everyone working for the emergency services, NHS, armed services, charities as well as Council staff. Know that you are appreciated.
And finally, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!