There is much being said and written about the death of the high street. However, our high street seems to be going from strength to strength with a great range shops - many very established and other new additions. On
that note a very warm welcome to the Whisky Box – we wish Will and Helen Stockham all the very best with their
new venture.
While the summer months bring visitors to help the sales along, the winter is more reliant on the local trade – and at no time is this more important than in the run up to Christmas. So why not wander into one of our great cafes, order yourself your favourite drink, and leaf through the pages of The Bridge noting all the interesting opportunities to purchase locally both in our great shops as well as at the various markets.
There are Advent and Christmas markets in Amulree and Corbenic as well as at the Royal School of Dunkeld.
There’s late night opening at ‘Potters Junction’ at Birnam Arts as well as an on-going Christmas market opening in the mezzanine area from 6th November. And then of course there is the market on Santa Day on the 14th December to look forward to.
Or what about buying books written by local authors as a unique gift? Or you could go for an alternative ‘previously loved’ Christmas and buy second hand books from Birnam Books, a treasure from the Vintage Shop, recycled gifts at the 3 Churches Charity Shop or ‘Big Sale’ as well as toys from the second hand toy stall in the Duchess Anne on Santa Day. That reminds me to remind you ... please look out any toys that need a new home and consider donating them to the Toy Stall which raises money for Rachel House Children’s Hospice and Christian Aid.
Of course, a flourishing high street can bring some challenges with it ... particularly when cars and log lorries are competing with pedestrians and cyclists. Anyone interested in possible ways forward for ‘shared streets should join the meeting being hosted by the Community Council on the 26th November, 7:30pm in the PA. 
So, if you are buying gifts this Christmas, consider ‘buying local’ and supporting all our wonderful businesses from the very large to the very tiny and from the oldest to the newest. They are all deserving of our full support.

Sally Robertson