Looking forward to a year of hard work and service

I can’t quite believe it was Christmas so soon and then time to welcome in another New Year!

2017 saw not one but three elections for us here in Perth and Kinross.

The most significant for myself was of course the first election in May when I was elected as a first-time councillor for the SNP in the Strathmore ward.

From the minute I was elected it has been non-stop and the last eight months have really flown by.

There is a learning curve with any new job and life as a councillor has been no different.

The ins and outs of committee structures, meeting council officers and generally how things run has taken up plenty of my time this year.

However, I have also had the great pleasure of being out and about in the ward as much as possible.

Whether it’s been attending community councils, parent councils, bloom groups or local fundraisers it has been great to get to know so many folk in the area and hear about your hopes, problems and plans.

I have particularly enjoyed visiting local primary schools across the ward where I have met so many great parents, pupils and teachers.

Advent is a wonderful time for reflection and for rest over the Christmas holidays.

I was grateful to be able to look back over the memories I have made in my first year as a councillor.

And I am looking forward to the coming year of hard work and service.

I hope that everyone enjoyed this festive season and may I wish you all the best for 2018.