The summer months are a good time to appreciate the inner beauty of our communities, as well as the amount of effort “in bloom” groups put in to help it emerge.
One of the many concerns raised to me by constituents is the condition and longevity of their high streets.
Shops and services will always change in a lively economy but it is disappointing when a trusted retailer has to close, or a bank or another crucial service withdraws from your area.
That’s why it’s very important for local people to use their influence to change high streets for the better and to help increase footfall. This is something that the UK Government wants to encourage with events such as the Great British High Street competition.
The volunteers who spend so much time and money in keeping Turriff beautiful must be commended and I hope their effort is reflected in October’s awards.
Rose Logan and Marj Chalmers of the local business association have done an impressive job in the entry for Main Street and High Street.
There is a Scotland category as well as the overall UK winner so it would be great if the likes of Coo Corner get a national spotlight.
We’ll find out the shortlists next month so fingers crossed.
There are other competitions which attract as much effort by local communities, of course. The Formartine in Bloom competition will see Turriff joined by a number of towns and villages across Banff and Buchan - Auchterless, Cuminestown, Fyvie, Methlick and Woodhead of Fyvie. Winners will be announced by the Formartine Partnership later in the year.
Unfortunately, such efforts are blighted occasionally by mindless vandalism such as that seen recently in Fyvie. Floral displays were left scattered across the ground two weekends ago. I sincerely hope setbacks like this don’t put communities off trying to make these improvements. A bit of pride in place is to everyone’s benefit, after all.
Many Aberdeenshire school pupils have been enjoying a well-earned break this Summer - particularly since finding out their exam results.
Scotland-wide, the SQA said passes at A to C for Nationals fell by two percentage points this year.
But in Aberdeenshire, the number of S4 pupils who achieved five or more National 5 qualifications increased by 2.6%.
And the number of S6 pupils who leave with five or more Highers rose by 5%.
The latest figures show 96% of Aberdeenshire pupils continue their studies in either higher or further education or find employment.
In Aberdeenshire, more than 100 probationers started last week so I am sure this exemplary standard will continue.
But the SNP Government has been complacent in letting Scotland’s schools get by with so few newly-trained teachers. That complacency is reflected in exam redults and the low numbers of young people entering technical subjects. Scottish classrooms were once the envy of the world and unfortunately, that distinction has seriously eroded over the past 11 years.