I come home, she lifted up her wings, guess that this must be the place…

I come home, she lifted up her wings, guess that this must be the place…

I would suggest that everyone in Scotland, all Scottish folk, believe that we are a caring nation, right? We believe in the Failte tradition – a tradition of hospitality, of welcoming people into our homes, that dates back to ancient Celtic times. We believe that we’re all Jock Tamson’s bairns, and want to look out for one another. So with those thoughts to the fore I wish you Happy St Andrews Day!

Last night I was delighted to attend the opening of the Paisley’s stunning new central library - the Paisley Learning and Cultural Hub. I’m delighted to report that it’s an awesome new space in the Paisley High Street which I’m sure will be a hit with all ages. The opening was true to the spirit of Failte, with poems, speakers and an overriding sense that we were welcome there. I don’t l know about you but I always feel welcome in a library, comfortable and at ease. I know I’m not the only one - all of those that spoke at the launch shared a common experience, a potentially pivotal moment in their early lives when they stepped into a library and found themselves at ‘home’.

I would argue that a library like this can play a significant role in increasing social capital - a key resource in helping to remove economic inequalities as well as tackle social exclusion. Where new services like this one are aimed at social needs, a building such as a public library can act as an anchor, helping to animate and engage local communities.

There is no doubt that this new facility with its offer of a relaxed layout, study areas and digital resources provides fantastic opportunities to enhance the community resilience of Paisley – it will also I’m sure adapt over time to expand its services to meet the changing needs of its community.

In the spirit of meeting the need here’s some significant community information that if you get the chance I hope you share:

#RenReady campaign

https://www.renfrewshire.gov.uk/article/11816/Prepare-for-emergencies

Preparation is key! - take the time to visit the #RenReady section of Renfrewshire Council’s website to find out more.

All the best

Alan