The local elections are a distant memory already and this is the first opportunity that I have had to thank everyone who had faith in me and re-elected me as one of your three ward councillors. It was an election with mixed feelings for me. While I was honoured and delighted to have been elected, I was bitterly disappointed for my dear friend, colleague and teammate Anne Jarvis who wasn’t successful this time. I would like to publicly thank her not only for all that she has done for Strathtay over the last 5 years, but also for the support and help that she has given me too. Nearly forty years of service to local Government is a massive achievement. I am sure that she will still be busy behind the scenes but more importantly, spending some quality time on herself and her family.
I would like to extend congratulations to Grant Laing who was returned as one of the Strathtay Councillors and I wish him well in his new role as leader of the Council. I also extend aa huge warm welcome to Claire McLaren who was newly elected to the ward. The three of us have already had a meeting to discuss issues throughout the ward and will be working together for the benefit of all residents.
Life is starting to get back to normal again after two years of pandemic restrictions and the old problems seem to be back to plague us again.
It sadly seems that no lessons were learnt and visitors returning to our beautiful countryside are still treating it with no respect. Clunie Loch was left like a festival site after the Queens platinum Jubilee weekend. Thank goodness for our Countryside Ranger teams and a dedicated group of residents who litter picked, tidied up and had the place looking its beautiful self. If you see anyone leaving litter and mess, please report it.

Councillor Ian James