It is a real privilege to be delivering my first Christmas Message as Provost, having had the honour of being appointed to the role in May this year. I have thoroughly
enjoyed representing the Council and people of East Dunbartonshire at receptions and celebrations over these past eight months, particularly as pandemic restrictions have now been lifted and long-awaited postponed events were able to go ahead. On every occasion I have appreciated having the opportunity to meet so many inspirational and commendable members of our communities.
Some of the highlights were the opening of Townhead Square in Kirkintilloch; representing the Council at Auchengeich Miners’ Memorial Service; hosting the Kirkin’ o’ the Council in St Mary’s Church, Kirkintilloch and the opening of the new Boclair Academy in Bearsden. More recently I attended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders’ Association Peace Forum in Kirkintilloch and an Investitures Ceremony hosted by Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Mrs Jill Young MBE at Kilmardinny House, Bearsden. There, Don Martin of Kirkintilloch was awarded an MBE for services to libraries and heritage in Scotland and Mr Ah Yee Shek (Johnny) of Kirkintilloch received a BEM for services to the Chinese Community in Scotland.
I have also had the honour of visiting the homes of residents celebrating milestone birthdays and anniversaries. I’ve been invited to a number of 100th Birthday parties, Diamond Wedding Anniversaries and a Platinum Wedding Anniversary. I also attended the fifth birthday party for Gavin’s Mill in Milngavie, the 25th Anniversary of the Park Centre in Kirkintilloch and an event to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of India’s Independence in Edinburgh.
In recent weeks my diary has been full of festive activities; I’ve attended several Christmas Concerts, the Kirkintilloch Male Voice Choir Concert in St Mary’s Parish Church in Kirkintilloch and concerts performed by extremely talented pupils from East Dunbartonshire schools. Not only do we have a wealth of musical talent in our schools, we have plenty of budding artists too – the entries for the Provost’s Christmas Card competition were fantastic! The Depute Provost and I had a very difficult job choosing the winner and the runners-up.
Whilst Christmas is a time for celebration, it is also a time for reflection. It has been a year of many highs but it has also been a year of great sorrow. The death of Her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II in September was desperately sad news for us all. I had the honour of representing the Council and the people of East Dunbartonshire in paying respects to our longest serving monarch as she lay in state in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh. Many of us will have also lost beloved family members and friends during 2022, and the festive season can be particularly difficult when we are grieving. My thoughts are with those of you who are suffering loss at this time.
I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to those of you who will be separated from family and friends at Christmas as you carry out vital roles in our communities, keeping us safe; those working for the emergency services, NHS, armed services, charities and many of our own Council staff. Thank you for all you do for us, it is much appreciated.
Finally, I’d like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! I am very much looking forward to meeting more of you and joining you in your celebrations in 2023. Have a very happy and healthy New Year!