The Community Investment Fund (CIF) 2019 from the Strathtay Action Partnership closed on 21st August at 5.00pm. Hope all applicants made it and I look forward to some high calibre applications.
I like to think I am trying to reduce my carbon footprint; buying locally, not always using my car etc. However, I have family on the other side of the world, as have many people, and I was at a seminar recently where one of the sessions was about flying. I have to say I was distressed to hear a green activist contributor say that they thought people should have limited flying miles as there is always an alternative way of travelling. Perhaps road travel would be a possibility to get to the Southern Hemisphere but we would need longer holidays. I also thought of the celebrities who fly here to tell us all we should not fly. Has common sense gone out the window?
The A9 dualling Luncarty to Birman is going well with minimum disruption. Please let me know if you experience problems as this is on my watch list.
Earlier this year the PKAVS Carers Centre opened in Lewis Place, Perth PH1 3BD.
This new centre will deliver support to unpaid carers at a time of unprecedented demand. The Centre will provide vital support and opportunities for carers of all ages to meet with other carers or an experienced Support Worker. What is especially good are the facilities for young carers to relax and spend time with others their age. Obviously for young people living outside Perth it may not be easy to visit the centre but appropriate support is offered to unpaid carers of all ages who live in Perth & Kinross. T: 01738 567076 www.pkavscarershub.org.uk
Just had my annual eye test and passed it which is always good news. I have glaucoma in my family and the optician tests for this. Other diseases can be seen in the eyes so I would encourage everyone to have eye tests regularly as our sight is precious.
All our villages, it seems, are suffering from inconsiderate drivers exceeding the speed limit. I, as other councillors do, have a programme of installing Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) to show these drivers they are driving too fast. In the north of Strathtay Caputh and Spittalfield will be getting signs soon. Crieff is also in the frame for one. These signs are invaluable in making our communities safer.
Weather is always high on the agenda and the recent rains were phenomenal. I was getting a path laid and thought a heavy roller would have helped but after that rain the sand was beautifully flat ready for the final surface. The garden however was a disaster. More plants flattened. Here’s hoping the sun will return. This shows the enormous power of the weather.
The community council elections will take place in November. All the information is on the council website. Some of the community councils are struggling for members so if you are interested in your community and want a say in what happens this is the opportunity to join your local group.
I don’t hold surgeries preferring to deal quickly by individual response. As always I am happy to deal with your enquiries or help with your problems. Contact me by email at AnneJarvis@pkc.gov.uk or phone 01738 475030.

Anne Jarvis

I was recently asked to give a brief outline of Scottish history to some Dutch young people staying in Highland Perthshire for a couple of weeks. It turned out they were a church group from across the Netherlands so, after some secular history (including the inevitable questions on why the kilt is the national dress in a country full of midges?!), conversation moved on church history.
Who first worshipped in the cathedral, how could some Protestant churches here still have bishops? Was their ‘Dutch Reformed’ church more like the Church of Scotland or the Free Church of Scotland? Part of the group soon found too much was lost in translation, drifted away and started to play a song, which, although the words could not be understood, it was a familiar tune easy to hum and join with them. It soon became clear that music was a more satisfactory means of communicating what is a joint heritage, than trying to comprehend the centuries of divisions in church history. The following day in St Marys Birnam, Fraser Penny took a funeral at the request of a family that attended both St Marys and Amulree Kirk. The congregation included those from all religious traditions and some unfamiliar in any church surroundings. It is to be hoped that some of these people, although it was a day of mourning, saw the beauty of the sun through the stained glass, heard the harmony in the organ music, absorbed the peace from the ancient walls and felt the loving care in the congregation. For it is this these things, not the divisive doctrines of the past, that will console grief, draw people to the church and start to answer the searchings of their spirit.

Jane Anderson,
St Mary’s Episcopal Church, Birnam

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