A Christmas message from North Ayrshire Council Provost Anthea Dickson

The world seems a really dark and gloomy place when we switch on the news or scroll through social media.

While there are many challenges out there and things remain very, very difficult, my job gives me an insight into the good and the great of our communities. There are some real champions and heroes out there and while they might not make great headlines, they do exist.

This year has been another busy one for me and to all the people I’ve met along the way, a huge thanks for your time and commitment to our communities. You deserve to be front page news.

Christmas is such a joyful time, particularly for children and I’m sure, like me, you are all looking forward to spending time with some excitable young people and family over the busy festive period.

It’s also a time of year to think of others and remember that Christmas can bring pressures on those who are vulnerable and need support.

My message this year would be to please look out for your neighbours and extend a hand of friendship to those that need it. Hopefully we can move into 2025 with an open heart and all try that little bit harder to help others. We can all make a difference.

If you are struggling, please remember the council and its partners offer a range of support. The council has a designated page on its website which provides all the relevant support and help available. Please reach out if you are struggling.

I’ve two more years as Provost and I’m enjoying the job now as much as I was when I wore the chains for the first time in 2022. North Ayrshire is a large region but I always do my best to visit communities and groups across the length and breadth of it. The thing that constantly astounds me is the passion that people have for the activities that they partake in. That boundless energy and drive is infectious and I see it almost on a daily basis.

We often take volunteers and community groups for granted but they bring so much colour and joy to people without really getting the credit for the hours they put in. They probably don’t want the attention but I thank them all for everything they do. I’m lucky to witness the work first-hand and I’m inspired every time.

Young people can get a bad reputation but it is again unfair. We live in a world totally unrecognisable to the one I was brought up in but I see so much positivity and determination whenever I visit a school or youth group.

In the last few weeks, I met the wonderful pupils at Greenwood Academy as they celebrated 10 years of Lovilicious – a nail salon run and operated by pupils, and saw an abundance of talent at the Young Musician of the Year event at Irvine Royal Academy. I am always welcomed warmly and kindly by the young people and they are a credit to the region and their families/carers.

Finally, a huge thanks to all the staff at North Ayrshire Council. These are difficult times for everyone in the public sector but I see the work that is carried out and we have some brilliant staff who genuinely care about the services they provide and the communities they are doing it for.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and 2025 brings you happiness and contentment.