Provost and Pat

I felt well enough to attend a reception I was invited to given my job before retirement. The lady on the right, Pat, was standing down from a significant leadership volunteer role in supporting the children’s hearing system in Edinburgh. The system is Scotland’s system for supporting children and young people who face challenges in their lives and require compulsory measures of care to ensure they are supported. It covers social as well as youth justice issues. It will soon be extended to include 16-18 years olds.

Pat has served in this role for 6 years but that is on top of two decades or so volunteering to support children and young people. She - and indeed her depute Jack who was also demitting his office (and had his contribution acknowledged too) as the system is restructured - were never slow in voicing their concerns about proposals but that made the debate all the more comprehensive.

It was fitting therefore that her departure was marked not just by a civic reception in the European Room of the City Chambers but also by a warm tribute by the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge and my successor Elliot Jackson amongst others.

It was invigorating and inspiring to be back amongst so many committed volunteers.