As I write this article to close 2021, I am awaiting the outcome of a COVID PCR test, the track and trace system notifying me that I have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive. This situation unfortunately sums up the uncertainty that the last two years have been typified by the affects of the corona virus.
I think this is a poignant time for us all to remember loved ones who have suffered and some who have ultimately lost their lives in the battle against this virus. It is also a time to remember and thank our wonderful Scottish National Health Service for their dedication, work, and unrelenting commitment to saving lives. We can never reward them enough in a purely monetary fashion.
We also have to thank the wonderful community organisations and bodies that have stepped up to the plate and ensured that their local community and the most vulnerable within were taken care of. However, I think that this community endeavour will be required throughout 2022 as well or until our communities are safe again.
As we head towards Council elections in 2022, we face a difficult budget setting position where each of the political parties will be expected to set out their vision for the people of Perth and Kinross and will be expected to deliver on whatever election promises they make. As I am part of the SNP budget review group, I am aware of the many difficult choices to be made and I have made my group aware that when the current Council talks about savings, they are actually talking about cutting vital services. All elected members must be aware of the difficult choices they make, that they affect everyone within the community but especially the most vulnerable and many of those who feel that their voice is not heard.
Most of you who know me, know that although that this article started with ‘doom and gloom’ I am always as most of you reading this article are looking for the positives in life and there are many of those to be found within our local communities. Working together and communication being the key to bringing all parts of the local community together, the numerous organisations within Strathtay Ward have proved their worth throughout the COVID pandemic. As the delivery of Council services changes to be more community led the Council itself and officers within the council would be instructed to be more accessible and engaging with the needs and aspirations expressed by community led groups. Dunkeld along with other areas hold a wealth of local knowledge, insight, and desire to deliver what their own community needs are.
I would like to wish everyone within Strathtay Ward, Perth and Kinross, Scotland and the World a really happy festive time and that together we can move forward into 2022 showing real progress against the global pandemic and against the climate change emergency which has been highlighted at Glasgow this year which have produced eyewatering figures of what must be achieved, though this looks unsurmountable as a whole, it like the Covid pandemic will have to be fought at a local level where individuals actions multiplied will make the difference required.
Best wishes and a Happy New Year to each and everyone of you.
Councillor Grant Laing

Grant Laing
Councillor Grant Laing
Scottish National Party (SNP)
Ward 5 – Strathtay
Perth & Kinross Council
glaing@pkc.gov.uk or Tel: 07881 500501 or 01738 475023