Democracy itself was under attack
The tragic events at Westminster last week were a stark reminder of the pace at which we can all experience a sharp, dramatic and painful turn of events.
In just 82 seconds - 82 seconds is all the time between the start and the end of the attack - an entirely typicalWednesday afternoon on the streets around the House of Commons turned into a scene of devastation with injury, death and heartbreak spread around the globe.
The only thing to be thankful for is that those streets were a great deal more quiet that we have all seen them before.
Families have been devastated by the loss of their loved ones and many are now wrestling with a long journey back to health and fitness.
Each loss of life is a tragedy but the death of PC Keith Palmer carries particular poignancy.
The police officers around the House of Commons are a special group of friendly, reassuring and helpful individuals who would be just as prepared to rush to an emergency as pose for a photograph with a tourist. That one of them was lost in such brutality demonstrates the risks our police officers take in simply carrying out their work on a daily basis.
The tragic events also illustrate the extent to which our democratic process is a focal point for attack.
There will be a wide debate about how to respond to this challenge but for me our democracy is founded on being as open and accessible as possible. I hope we can work to ensure that remains the case in the future.
The events also remind us about the importance of public service.
PC Keith Palmer paid the ultimate price whilst undertaking public service. The Conservative minister Tobias Ellwood MP was carrying out his public service when he went to the assistance of PC Palmer. And in the House of Commons and the House of Lords there were literally hundreds and hundreds of people working in the public service but frightened by the threat to their safety that had abruptly manifested itself last Wednesday.
The tragic events are a reminder of the role of public service within our community and the importance that must be attached to ensuring people can safely carry out public service.
Let me conclude with a word about public service in our local community.
In May the local elections will be held for Perth and Kinross Council. My four local council colleagues, Ian Miller, Alan Grant, Bob Ellis and Elizabeth Grant will all stand down after many years service to the local community in Blairgowrie, Rattray, Alyth, Meigle, Ardler, Coupar Angus, Burrelton and the surrounding areas.
Councillors often have a thankless task, taking difficult decisions that have an effect right on the doorsteps of the communities they serve.
Each of my colleagues has served the local area with commitment, energy and distinction - often in senior leadership positions within the council - and I would like to record my thanks to them all for the tireless service and the good work they have done for people in our local area.