Place yourself back in the village one hundred and fifty-five years ago. The Bridge was built, and the Perth Arms had been trading for nearly 70 years. Imagine a group of people sitting around enjoying a pint of beer.
And then someone comes up with the mad cap idea of holding a Highland Games in the village.  However instead of the conversation turning into hot air the blether turns into a real event. The first ever Birnam Highland Games – now so much a ‘tradition’ and part of village life. But back in the day it was new - a fledgling event. I’m guessing along with all the people saying ‘aye’ there were the nae sayers suggesting that ‘it will never work here.’ However fortunately the visionaries won out and we got our games. Today it is still a small group of volunteers who meet at various times over the year, often in the PA, to plan the next games. There is no government funding and it is not a ‘council led initiative.’ It is an event that is deeply rooted in our community and is deserving of our full support. Across the country games are closing due to rising costs and lack of volunteer support – however so far we have managed to keep our Games going. Please can you check your diary and see if you can volunteer for a couple of hours on the 31st August and if so please can give Bob Lindsay a call. I’m already looking forward to the day and the opportunity to while away the time serenaded by pipers and dancers galore. Good luck to everyone taking part.
There are also many opportunities to enjoy the tranquillity of the area over the summer. How about a trip up to Loch of the Lowes at some point to see how our two little osprey chicks are getting on with their fishing lessons? You could potentially combine this with the opportunity to ‘Beaver Watch.’ This event takes place every Wednesday evening between 7-9pm over the summer. Some years ago I remember watching my brother arriving exhausted from a busy week in London and, quite literally, revive after spending an hour up in the hide looking out on the ever-changing loch. It is a magical spot.
Finally, to the serious business of the Horty Show on the 24th August. What are you entering? There must be one class you can participate in. I’ve got my eye on 1e floribunda if my thug of a rambler is still terrorising the garden and maybe 4b the miniature flower arrangement. It must be a decade since I got my ‘first’ for my wee arrangement. I’ve still got my little orange certificate on the wall in pride of place in my office to prove it. However, since then I’ve not won a dicky bird, so I’d better get practicing if I’m to be in with a chance.
So, enjoy the summer in this beautiful corner of the world. Looking forward to catching up again in September when the air will be holding the first sniff of autumn and Big Apple Day on the 8th September will be just around the corner.

Sally Robertson

The last full Council meeting of the session takes place on Wednesday the 19th of June. Shortly after this meeting the Council will go into Summer Recess. However I will be available to assist Residents throughout this period and they should not hesitate to contact me through the usual channels if they require to do so.
At the most recent Strategic Policy and Resources Committee it was revealed which projects in PKC would benefit from the Town Centre fund which had been announced by the Scottish Govt. PKC ‘S share of this extra money was £1,983,000 and has been allocated thus.
1. Coupar Angus for a community and cycling hub £200,000
2. Kinross to better connect Loch Leven with Kinross Town Centre £800,000
3. Crieff contribution costs linked to the Drummond Arms £600,000
4. Pitlochry development of an events space £383,000
These projects will hopefully significantly improve the offer in the town centres of the chosen sites.
The highly contentious issue of a Central Production Unit in Dundee becoming the supplier of frozen school meals for Primary schools throughout Perth and Kinross will finally come to a head at the September Council meeting.
This proposal will be debated alongside other options which will include a central production unit based somewhere within the boundaries of PKC, or increasing capacity within the current model where fresh food is produced by kitchens in schools who provide the service at this time. A petition against moving Perthshire school meal production to a blast freeze facility In Dundee raised over 3000 signatures. I and my SNP council colleagues will continue to argue against this proposal and hope that cross party political support can be gathered to maintain school food production within the Perth and Kinross area. It would be helpful if readers expressed their views on this to their Local Elected Members.
Councillor Williamson and myself are planning a meeting with Council Officers to see if toilet emptying facilities for Camper vans etc could be provided at the Public toilets within Highland Perthshire we feel that it is vitally important that this waste is disposed of in a responsible manner.
Whilst party politics inevitably plays a part in the work of the Council residents should be aware that their Local Members spend much of the time working together to achieve better outcomes for the Community.
In Strathtay Ward Councillors James, Jarvis and myself are working together to try and retain the school crossing patroller position at Stanley school.
We will work together to try and secure funding to improve the Stewart Tower Road, improve road safety throughout our Ward and work together on individual cases.
Unfortunately many Community Councils in Strathtay Ward are struggling for members. Some of these look destined to fold if they cannot attract new members. Community Councils provide an important service and I would ask that if you feel that you could help your local community by being part of your Local Community Council that you get in touch with the Office Bearers of your relevant C.C. and make enquiries as to what is involved.
It is good news that football is returning to Stanley. Stanley Amateurs have reformed and will play in the Perthshire Amateur League this season. They will train in Stanley and play this season’s home games at Methven but hopefully with more work being done on the Stanley pitch they will be able to start playing their home games in Stanley the following season.
I fervently hope this Summer starts in July
I am always happy to try and assist so please do not hesitate to contact me.

Grant Laing
Councillor Grant Laing
Local SNP Councillor, Strathtay Ward 5
glaing@pkc.gov.uk or Tel: 07881 500501 or 01738 475023

One of the privileges of worshipping in a place like Dunkeld Cathedral is that you meet so many visitors from all over the world. It doesn’t matter what day you go in at this time of year there will be people there from all over and it can lead to some interesting conversations.
Something like 80,000 people a year got into the building. Some go for a cursory glance, (to have a quick look at the Wolf of Badenoch), some are drawn by the history and many do come to pray because they find a quiet, prayerful place here.
It is interesting to meet so many people and it gives a sense of pride in what we have here because the most common reaction is one of ‘wow.’ It has that impact on people. If you are able to remember your first visit there is a fair chance that was your reaction too. – I know it was for me.
Then, familiarity breeds contempt – or at least complacency. Very soon something can become ordinary and everyday to the extent that we take it for granted. The initial ‘wow’ factor fades because it is always there, part of life. Then when you meet someone, as I did today, who is bowled over by the place and says ‘you are so fortunate to live here’ it reminds you again what we have here.
It is so easy to miss what is on your own doorstep. For example, I grew up no distance from Scone Palace yet still have never visited it. I go off on holiday and make sure I see important places wherever I go and folk come from all over the world to see Scone Palace, yet I haven’t managed to go a few miles to see it – yet.
It is also true of faith. The Good News of Jesus Christ was first preached here about 1500 years ago. We think we know what it is about, there is nothing new to see or hear because it has been around for generations. The result is we lose that freshness that hits people who hear it for the first time. For us it is old hat; familiarity breeds complacency and we fail to grasp the wonder of what it says. That God, in love, sent his son that whoever believes in him may not die but have eternal life. (John 3:16) Maybe we need to take a fresh look, not just at the Cathedral but what it stands for; to see it through the eyes of those who are struck by its freshness and wonder when they hear it for the first time.

Fraser Penny