A positive vibe from Nationalists
After the miserableness of the Conservative Party conference which seemed to be all about making life awful for those who had come here from other countries, the SNP conference in Glasgow this past weekend really was a complete antidote.
From the very first resolution the contrast was there to be seen – making it crystal clear that we believe that immigration has been positive for Scotland.
We commended our international citizens for making such a welcome and positive contribution to our country’s economy, society and welcomed the steps taken by the Scottish Government, and other progressive forces, to ensure that UK, EU and other international citizens living here know they are welcome and valued.
Nicola Sturgeon’s speech set out our vision for Scotland – a welcoming, progressive, open, outward-looking and inclusive nation.
Among a range of excellent announcements, there was one moment that stood out above all the rest – the Scottish Government is to launch an independent review of the system that supports children in care.
As the First Minister said, real progress is being made in improving the life chances of looked-after children but we can’t ignore the dispiriting reality for too many children in care.
Young people who have experienced life in care are less likely to go to university, more likely to experience homelessness and to have lower life expectancy.
What made the announcement so special was that it was the result of close consultation with campaigning young people with personal experience of the care system who were in the hall to hear the speech and who greeted the announcement in a really moving moment.
It really was out of this world.
Something else that promises to be truly out of this world is coming to a hall near you very soon.
The Really Interesting Experience is the name that has been given to an exhibition being staged in Blairgowrie Town Hall on Saturday, November 5, from 11am.
Put together by Blairgowrie Town Hall Association, in conjunction with Perth Museum, the exhibition will be displaying artefacts and items relating to the Blairgowrie area.
One of the headline acts, as it were, will be part of the meteorite that crashed near Blairgowrie in 1917.
Wonderfully, there will be the opportunity, not just to see this fascinating piece of local history – a visitor from outer space, no less – but visitors will also be able to handle it as well, an exciting opportunity for anyone interested in space travel, particularly children.
Among the interesting items on display with a local connection will be the 16th Century Rattray Silver Ball, a display of local wildlife, the collection of Laing photos, Roman armour, the Provost’s robes and artefacts from Ardblair Castle and other local sources.
There will also be an excavation pit for children, hints on searching for your family history, retro costumes, demonstrations of weaving and spinning
A good level of interest in this exhibition will help promote the possibility of a more permanent exhibition space in Blairgowrie – so it would be great to get a good turnout.