It’s exciting to be welcoming the return of a ‘live’ version of the Birnam Book Festival from 20th – 22nd May after two years of Lockdown. Many thanks to the committee for putting together such a wonderful programme. It is great to see that they have also been successful in getting sponsorship to make the children’s events free. Taking down the cost barrier means any child can attend irrespective of available household income – which, let’s face it, is increasingly stretched for many families at present with the cost of living crisis.
In his thought-provoking book ‘Poverty Safari’, Darren McGarvey gives compelling reasons as to why books and libraries are so important to communities. He makes the point that where households are large, and space is limited libraries provide one of the few places of quiet in the midst of noise. They also provide free access to the wonderful world of books. We are privileged to have Birnam Library which is open on Thursday 5-7pm; Friday 12 - 5pm and Saturday 9:30 - midday. Please try and pop in whenever you can to show your support for this vital community asset.
Staying on the book theme please note that the Christian Aid book stall is back at the Duchess Anne on the 14th and 21st May. Donations of books are always required. They can be dropped off at the Duchess Anne on a Friday morning when it is open for the Meeting Place or left in the Nativity Scene Shed (in bags or boxes) and someone will take them into the hall. You can then buy more books to fill the gap on your shelves created by your donations!
Like many of you, I’ve been waiting for an announcement from the Highland Games Committee as to whether the Games will run this year and I was delighted to hear that the answer is ‘yes’. However, they do need more volunteers and they are on the lookout for a Competition Secretary and Programme Editor. Is this something you might be able to take on? If so, please drop Bob Lindsay a line.
Last, and by no means least, many thanks to Iona Lancaster for offering to find out who in our community might be interested in supporting Ukrainian refugees to find a safe and welcoming haven in our part of Highland Perthshire. Please see her message here and if you think you might be able to help in any kind of way, great or small, please get in contact with her.

Sally Robertson