Issued: 22 December 2009
Provost of Angus 2009 Christmas Message
At Christmas most of us have a chance to take a break from our day to day activities and share some time with family and friends.
Please spare a thought for those in our emergency, health and social care services who will be on duty as usual, helping to keep us all safe and well over the holiday period. We must also remember those in our community who cannot be with loved ones and our thoughts and prayers are particularly with our servicemen and women and their families.
It was an honour to welcome the return to Angus of 45 Commando Royal Marines and the Black Watch 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland from their respective tours of duty. Both forces were granted the Freedom of Angus some years ago and I was proud to stand alongside the people of Angus, who turned out in their thousands, for the homecoming parades in Arbroath and Forfar in May and December to honour the forces' outstanding and brave service to the nation and remember those lost and injured in battle.
There are many people who deserve our particular thanks at this time of year. Those in our community who give their time freely and work tirelessly to improve the quality of life for so many throughout the year deserve a special thank you. Angus is extremely fortunate to have so many volunteers, supporting people in so many ways, and complementing the work of Angus Council.
Throughout the year I have been delighted to have had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and many different countries as I undertake my civic duties as Provost, representing the people of Angus. Many of those I have met have been outstanding ambassadors for the county; encouraging enterprise and investment; welcoming visitors and delivering the services that sustain our communities.
2009 has been an anxious year for businesses and their workforces and like every other area Angus is feeling the effects of the global economic downturn. However we are fortunate to have many established businesses in the county with the dedicated teams and dynamic leadership that helps promote economic resilience.
In the coming year Angus Council will be working hard to promote and support those businesses. We will be working with you to improve the health, opportunities and quality of life for the people of the county and look forward to welcoming even greater numbers of visitors to Angus, so they too can experience one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland.
God bless you all at Christmas time and I wish you a peaceful New Year.
Provost Ruth Leslie Melville MBE. OStJ