As the world starts slowing down to a bump at the end of the year, I like to peep ahead into the glimmers of light of the New Year to help get, it and, me whirring again. So, it was very cheering to read that the In Bloom team have been out planting hundreds of spring bulbs to bring us joy in the dark time of year. Many thanks to all involved – I am already looking forward to seeing the fabulous early spring colour – well at least from the bulbs that haven’t got eaten by the rabbits and deer. Their mention of a race against time however fills me with fear as I have a pile of plants still to get in before the ground hardens – not to mention all the leaves to rake before they turn into a soggy mass.
Thinking of endings and new beginnings – many congratulations to Michael and Luna on their immense walk across Canada raising money for Trees for Life. It has been an incredible journey and we are privileged to have shared their story over the past months. There is a final fundraising push at journeys end. If you can afford to buy one or both £5 raffle tickets on offer, then you will be supporting a great rewilding project as well cheering man and dog along the home straight. Why not walk the one mile from the Birnam Gallery to Going Pottie and as you do so will Michael and Luna along to their final destination of the most easterly point of Canada, Cape Spear.
It was lovely to end the year with a contribution from our Friends over in Asheville. Although they may be a much larger community than us there is so much we have in common. One of these is that we are both communities that seem to rise to ‘doable’ action on a local level and believing that is important. Let us hope we can find ways to work jointly on some environmental initiative in the coming years as they propose. It only seems appropriate after COP26 that we work to ensure we are not ‘green washing’ but making a serious commitment to reducing our carbon emission. Maybe set at target to one of Scotland’s first ‘net zero emissions’ communities or similarly ambitious target. Please send in your suggestions.
As this edition covers both December and January, we will have had Burns night before we catch up again. A couple of days after this there is another opportunity to brush up on your Scots language with a talk by Alan Riach on 27th January celebrating the poetry of Hugh MacDiarmid.
There’s a lovely quote in the notice on page 3 which I think I will repeat. It is a positive reminder at end of the year that all we can do is to turn up as our best selves – whatever that might be – and with all those varied and wonderful people that make this great community.
A Drunk Man Looks at the Thistle
‘And let the lesson be - to be yersel’s,
Ye needna fash gin it’s to be ocht else.
To be yersel’s - and to mak’ that worth bein’,
Nae harder job to mortals has been gi’en.’
On behalf of Kirsty, John and myself, thank you for all your support and encouragement over the last year. May we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy 2022. Looking forward to catching up again when the snowdrops are popping their pretty heads through the spring soil.

Sally Robertson