Provost's festive message 2021
The festive season is upon us once again, and as it’s my first as Provost of East Ayrshire, I’d like to thank everyone I’ve met over the last few months who has welcomed me in my new role.
Since being appointed as Provost in June, I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many members of our communities who help to make such a difference to other people’s lives. I’ve had the honour of opening a local foodbank, the new premises of East Ayrshire Carers’ Centre and Recovery Enterprises Scotland as well as helping to re-launch the Take a Bow café in New Farm Loch. All of these organisations provide a real lifeline for so many vulnerable and often socially isolated people in our communities and I extend my thanks to them for the important work they do day in and day out.
I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting local business owners who have had a very challenging couple of years but now have high hopes and great plans for the future. I would encourage everyone to try to shop local whenever they can this Christmas to help keep our local economy thriving.
It’s also worth reflecting on how we can help those less fortunate than ourselves in the coming year, whether that’s by donating to a foodbank or checking on an elderly neighbour. The community spirit rekindled for many during the pandemic must not be lost and I hope we build on that further this festive season and beyond into 2022.
All that remains is for me to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.
Provost Barry Douglas