Issued: 21 December 2001
Provost's Seasonal Greetings
Provost of Angus Mrs Frances Duncan wishes all citizens of Angus a happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful 2002.
"Peace is a frequently used word at Christmas but this year it has a particular resonance as the world strives to come to terms with the repercussions of September 11. In the face of such adversity the greatest tribute we can pay to all those affected is not to waver from our beliefs. It is a time to gather strength from each other for the well being of future generations.
On April 6 Scots will stand side by side with our American cousins during the Tartan Day celebrations stateside. This special day gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our connections and celebrate the unique contribution Scots have made to America. Angus is at the heart of these celebrations as the date marks the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, the document on which the American Declaration of Independence is fashioned.
The historic Abbey at Arbroath took centre stage in August when the new visitor centre opened and hundreds of new visitors have been flocking to the town since then. Similarly Kirriemuir's new Gateway to the Glens Museum has drawn both crowds and national recognition, winning the 2001 Scottish Museum of the Year title and the newly opened Angus Digital Media Centre in Brechin is already attracting accolades and attention.
We have such a lot to celebrate in Angus and it is important that we recognise and reward enterprise and accomplishment.
On St Andrews Night we celebrated the achievements of over 140 companies, individuals and organisations, giving them the recognition they deserve for promoting Angus through their many and varied endeavours. These annual Angus Achievers Awards recognise success in communities, business, sport and tourism but perhaps most satisfying of all, give us the chance to acknowledge the growing contribution our young people are making to Angus life.
I look forward to once again being astounded by and proud of the wealth and breadth of talent we have in this small county and as we go into 2002 I wish you and yours a healthy and happy Christmas and a joyful and prosperous New Year."