Tom Gray (SNP) Strathallan

A year like no other has just come and gone. It came with the uncertainty but looming imperative that closure to the Brexit fiasco must be achieved.

It also heralded the other great uncertainty about to envelop the entire globe.

No year has demanded greater leadership than 2020, yet our Prime Minister wandering through Coronavirus-held hospitals glad-handing staff and soon lying smitten himself are images which rest clear in the mind of the irresponsibility which has been the curse to all our health, safety and happiness throughout the entire year.

In some quarters it appeared from an early stage that responsible behaviour could be set aside on the faith that a vaccine would be developed to contain then eliminate

Uncertainty

Cllr Tom Gray

the pandemic.

Meanwhile thousands lost their lives, many more mourn their losses and many more suffer repercussions in terms of ill health.

This has not been a time to easily forgive the irresponsible.

Talking of which, the billions of pounds strewn around friends of the inner-circle of politicians and their associates for failed PPE contracts, failed track and trace schemes and the like while millions rely on charity to lift them from the abject poverty which hinders their health and opportunity cannot be lost in the bustle of the festive season.

The initiative of Marcus Rashford and his mother is worthy of the highest praise and is the shining example which shames our Prime Minister and offers hope to the way forward.

Now, with tree lights on and children tucked up in bed, under the same third-hand Prime Minister since the 2016 EU referendum a last-minute deal was finally resolved by none other than Santa Claus apparently.

A conclusion to the issue Scotland never wanted in the first place lost amid the tinsel and wrappings, turkeys and feasting, crackers and chaos, the detail to be fully uncovered and comprehended in sobriety come the turn of the year.

Of the few details revealed regarding the Brexit deal, none is more relevant to Strathearn than the doubts being cast over the ability of Scottish seed potatoes to maintain access to European markets.

Without doubt a huge proportion of families in Strathearn have at some time or other had a member who has spent time working in potato fields or stores.

This is a highly-capitalised industry which requires access to Europe both for employment and our economy here and sustainable staple food production elsewhere. Its future simply must be safeguarded!

Food production and a tourism sector catering for visitors to Scotland’s outstanding countryside are key industries.

Whatever 2021 brings, sure-footed government and the maintenance of our relationship with countries beyond our shores are essential factors.

The year 2020 has been a reality check for us all.

I wish to extend sympathy to those who have suffered loss, pain or financial strain and best wishes for greater health, happiness and security in 2021.