It is quite something to look at the Stone of Scone on which the Kings of Scots were crowned – which until 1296 was on Moot Hill close to the present-day Scone Palace. At the Coronation of Charles III, the ‘Stone of Destiny’ will sit underneath the Kings throne at Westminster Abbey before being returned to Edinburgh Castle. It is remarkable to think of the ceremonies that piece of stone has witnessed over more than a thousand years whatever one’s views on the monarchy itself. Pondering the sweep of history makes me consider the role of our own archives as a place that captures our community’s stories and history. It is great to see that the archives team are wanting to extend and redevelop the current archive buildings. Their plans for public consultation will be on display in the gallery of Birnam Arts and in the Community Archive on the Cross. They are inviting our feedback and ideas regarding the design so please go along and add your thoughts on how our past can be safely held for future generations to ponder.
In future I hope our archives will capture stories of how we have positively responded to the enormous challenge of the climate crisis. As a community we have already started many initiatives from upcycling, recycling and repairing to reducing water and energy use and increasing our community growing projects. Particularly heartening is how initiatives started here are spreading out not just across Scotland but further afield.
Jess Pepper’s Climate Café initiative, begun here in Dunkeld and Birnam, now has off shoots everywhere included in our sister city of Asheville. A huge well done to Jess and everyone involved in Climate Café for giving us a way to engage effectively at a local level with a massive global issue.
I wonder what future generations will think when the look back on Dunkeld and Birnam in the 2020’s. It reminds me that back in February I heard Rick Worrell talking about the ecology and genetics of wild crab apple (Malus sylvestris) - probably Scotland’s least understood and most under-appreciated native tree. After the talk I asked him where we could get hold of saplings to plant, and he offered to help us locate some. So in the autumn I think I will try to plant one of these remarkable tree as a sign of hope in our future. Let me know if you want me to ask him if he could look one out for you to plant too.

Sally Robertson