This year has once again provided me with some wonderful opportunities to celebrate the amazing people and groups that we have across East Dunbartonshire.
It has been my privilege to meet lots of talented, committed, selfless and interesting people whether that be at landmarks like 100th birthdays or anniversaries or at various community and charity events.
Over the Summer I met the recipients of my Community Champion Awards – people nominated for the work they do within their communities for the benefit of others. It is always a pleasure to recognise such endeavours as it is individuals like this who help improve our towns and villages for everyone.
Two local groups who have been contributing to life in East Dunbartonshire for decades, celebrated milestones this year and I was delighted to be able to help them mark the special occasions. The Kirky Players had their centenary in 2024 – that’s 100 fun-filled years of the amateur dramatics group spreading fun and laughter. And the Kirkintilloch & District Soroptimists achieved 50 years during which they have supported women and girls close to home and all over the world, giving them voice and opportunities.
Once again this year I have been grateful to family, friends, colleagues and the people of East Dunbartonshire for supporting myself and Depute Provost Colette McDiarmid in our fundraising efforts. A personal highlight for me was the fire walk we did for Epilepsy Scotland in the Spring which was a very exciting experience. In the Summer we completed a sporting challenge – cycling, walking, swimming and pickleball – to raise funds for East Dunbartonshire Women’s Aid which is an exceptional charity. And this Christmas, Council staff generously supported our appeal to help the East Dunbartonshire Foodbank. My thanks to everyone who was able to donate to these causes.
Across the year I am invited to attend the widest variety of events imaginable and I am always keen to meet local people to discuss the arts, culture, and environmental projects and find out what they are doing in these areas. I was delighted in 2024 to visit Gavins Mill, attend Milngavie Heritage Trust exhibitions, listen to the Kirkintilloch Male Voice and Ladies Choirs, go along to the Bearsden and Milngavie Highland Games and so much more.
Life in East Dunbartonshire is all the richer for the efforts of all these groups and I am grateful for each and every one of them and the contribution they make to our everyday lives throughout the year.
I am grateful too for everyone across a huge number of roles who will be working and caring for people over the festive season. My thanks to those Council staff who will continue to deliver vital frontline services including to our most vulnerable residents. Thanks also to everyone working for the emergency services, NHS, armed services and charities in the service of others.
As we draw 2024 to a close, I want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year!
