Lord Provost Bill Campbell Blog #17

Hello, and welcome to my End of Month Blog #17 as the Lord Provost of Dundee.

During October, I had the opportunity to get out and about within Dundee to see some of the fantastic initiatives taking place while also meeting the wonderful people who help to carry out this very worthwhile and varied work in our city.

Activities over the past month have included:

• On Wednesday 4th, I spoke and presented a number of awards at the Cornerstone Star Awards ceremony at the city’s Apex Hotel. It was a memorable experience and honour to be involved in such a special event;
• I accepted an invitation on Friday 6th to attend the new ‘Tackling TB: Dundee Scientists Fighting the Killer Cough’ exhibition at Verdant Works, which explores the past, present and future of tuberculosis;
• On Sunday 8th, I was very grateful to be invited along to take part in the Dundee United Community Trust Para-Sports Awards 2023 at Tannadice Park to co-present a number of medals and certificates as well as the Recognition Award for Outstanding Achievement. There was also an impressive performance from the Tayside Makaton Choir for the occasion;
• I was very happy to host a Civic Reception in the City Chambers on Wednesday 11th for the 30th anniversary of the Dundee-Würzburg Twinning Association;
• In the morning of Thursday 12th, I welcomed a number of Consuls to the city from around the globe who took in the V&A Dundee Tartan Exhibition, Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, a welcome speech from myself and a presentation from the Executive Director of City Development at the Council;
• In the evening of Thursday 12th, I gave a Civic Reception for the Dundee Civic Trust’s 50th Anniversary Awards. I gave a welcome speech to the many attendees followed by a speech from Civic Trust Chair Donald Gordon and award presentations;
• I attended and spoke at the Weavers Autumn Supper at Verdant Works on Friday 13th October following the Weavers Annual General Meeting where Richard Irvine became Deacon of the Trade;
• On Wednesday 18th, I provided a welcome speech to a large gathering of Guildry members at the Annual Meeting of the Guildry Incorporation of Dundee;
• The Lady Provost and I attended a Celebrating the 20th Birthday of the Discovery Film Festival event on Saturday 21st at Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA). There was a gala screening of short films as well as workshops, activities and a speech from Beth Bate, the Director of DCA;
• Also on Saturday 21st, in the evening, the Lady Provost and I attended the Dundee Rep Presentation of the Dance Event Sputnik;
• On Thursday 26th, I met with Council Leader John Alexander to discuss areas which affect both Civic Dundee and the broader city, such as culture and the promotion of Dundee. It’s important in our respective roles that we champion the city at a local, national and international level to achieve Dundee’s continued progress;
• On Friday 27th, I accepted an invitation from Dundee United Football Club to attend their league match against Arbroath at Tannadice Park. As the Civic Head of the city, I want to convey my appreciation to both of the city’s two professional football clubs as they have done so much to project awareness of Dundee around the world;
• I was honoured and delighted to present Sergeant Cameron Bell of 1232 (City of Dundee) Squadron Royal Air Force Air Cadets with a framed certificate on Monday 30th to mark the occasion of him becoming a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet;
• On Tuesday 31st, I attended the Dundee & Angus College 10th Anniversary Dinner at the Kingsway Campus. The event’s meal was prepared and served by the Hospitality & Professional Cookery Team along with students studying for SVQ Level 2 Professional Cookery and HNC Hospitality qualifications.

For updates as they occur, you can find the latest Lord Provost news and activities on both Facebook and Twitter/X.

Thank you for taking the time to read my Blog and I hope to update you further on my civic responsibilities in the next edition which will summarise my activity in November.