Issued: 23 December 2002
Provost's Christmas Message 2002
Provost of Angus Mrs Frances Duncan wishes all citizens of Angus a happy Christmas and a prosperous and peaceful 2003.
"This year has been one of great celebration but also one of great poignancy for Angus.
"In August representatives of our seven burghs gathered at Glamis Castle to mark HM Queen Elizabeth's Golden Jubilee. It was an inspiring day of celebration when our communities gathered to share their stories of the past and their plans for the future.
"It was good that Glamis was host to such a joyful occasion as earlier in the year it had been the focus of worldwide attention following the sad deaths of HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother and HRH Princess Margaret. Both had enjoyed life long associations with the area and are sadly missed in the county.
"At this time of year our thoughts naturally turn to loved ones, as we look forward to getting together with family and friends over the festive season and this is perhaps most keenly felt by the families of our servicemen and women.
"Arbroath based 45 Commando are delighted to be at home with their loved ones this year, following their high profile mission to Afghanistan in the spring. The esteem in which they are held in the county will be marked next year when they receive the Freedom of Angus, in recognition of their long and close association with the area.
"This honour was awarded to their naval colleagues in June when Angus Council, the people of Montrose and the citizens of Angus came together to recognise HMS Montrose at a spectacular Freedom Ceremony in Montrose.
"On a personal note I have been extremely proud to represent Angus at that and many other memorable events during the years I have served as your Provost. This is my final term in office as I have decided not to stand in next year's local government elections. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to say it has been a privilege to serve Angus as both a local councillor and for the past seven years as your Provost. I will leave local government in May honoured to have had the opportunity to serve the area and more confident than ever of its future.
"As we go into 2003 I wish you and yours a healthy and happy Christmas and a joyful and prosperous New Year."