Liz Smith (Cons) Mid Scotland & Fife

As this year draws to a close, may I wish all readers of the Strathearn Herald a peaceful Christmas and also thank the newspaper staff for their endeavours throughout 2020 to keep Strathearn residents well-informed.

It has not been an easy task but, among all the gloom, we should remember the good things too.

Covid-19 has been a huge test of our resilience, in economic, social and clinical terms, but it has also brought out the best in people and local communities.

We should not forget the vast army of volunteers who, within just four days, signed-up to the help the NHS or the vast army of local volunteers who have kept Strathearn running.

I want to thank all the delivery services – many of which went well beyond the call of duty – and all the shops which, under very difficult circumstances, continued not only to serve us but also to contribute to local community projects.

They deserve full credit for all they have achieved.

As I write this, there are worrying signs that there is a new spike in Covid infections with the ongoing restrictions this will bring.

I know just how disappointed and frustrated many readers will be but please remember that we all have a responsibility to help where we can.

Last week, l listened while travelling to Holyrood to a BBC Radio 4 programme about the very serious effects of Covid-19 on family life.

It was a very sobering account and it sent out a very strong message about what the disease can do on a long-term basis.

So please be careful to adhere to the required guidance.

It is probably not politically correct to say so, but l think all party leaders deserve our thanks for their tireless efforts throughout the pandemic.

Politics can be brutal and while we may have very strong differences of opinion about lots of things, no-one should accuse any leader this year of not being fully engaged in trying to defeat this awful disease.

The pressure is immense, and we should recognise that.

We can look forward with hope to the increasing roll-out of the vaccine and to things slowly improving in 2021.

Locally, we can celebrate the signing of the Tay Cities Deal, of new money for infrastructure in both Crieff and Comrie, the development of a new facility for the International Highland Games athletics training centre in Crieff and the fact that the athletics training centre will also double as a year-round hub for local residents, with the project set to give the whole area a much-needed jobs boost.

As 2021 approaches, we need to stay positive and celebrate the spirit of resilience which has been so important in the dark days of 2020.

Good wishes to everyone.

Return to normal MSP

Liz Smith