Opening speech by former Provost of Perth & Kinross - Bob Scott OStJ, JP 

Ladies and Gentlemen, Friends Past and Present, Good Afternoon

And may I also extend a warm welcome to everyone gathering in the village today – it is an immense pleasure and privilege to be asked by the organising committee to open the Stanley Reunion 07.07.07.

There are  many Stanley’s throughout the World, be they in Canada, US, Tasmania, Hong Kong or that famous Stanley on the Falkland Islands, not to mention communities by the name in Co Durham and Liverpool to name but two. 

However, today Stanley Perthshire welcomes its sons and daughters back home from throughout the length and breadth of the United Kingdom and beyond.  From the far north of Scotland, down through the Central belt you have arrived – from across the Border with guests from Cleveland, Yorkshire, Doncaster and Cheshire, from Nottingham, Harlow and Aldershot and from the South coast of England, Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight.

You have journeyed from Europe, from Canada and the US, from Australia and Malaysia.

The World is now a small place, travel has never been easier - but the call to return home for this grand reunion was obviously strong.  Today we can truly say “Stanley Perthshire” welcomes the world.  

It is equally pleasing to see with us on this historic occasion, our older village citizens of 90+ years.

Likewise to see so many “well kent” faces from Stanley itself and the surrounding district. 

Now events of this nature do not just happen.  A great deal of time and commitment has gone into the organising of this weekend.  I would therefore like on behalf of everyone present to say a huge “thank you” to the organising committee and all those who have contributed in any way in promoting the reunion.  May I also add how much we all appreciate the “Stanley Website” for bringing people together.

I am the third generation “Bob Scott” to have attended Stanley School, myself from 1947-1957.  At the time the school being a junior secondary – it was during this period a start was made to the new school extension – so pressed for classrooms were the Education Authority, my primary 7 year was spent in the hall to the rear of what was St James Kirk at the top of the village, now the community hall.  We worked  in grand isolation from the rest of school.  I am sure others here today will also remember that experience.

Ladies and Gentlemen – never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine that one day I would represent the village on the Local Council or hold the Civic position as Provost of Perth & Kinross.

I remember on one occasion walking round the village as a prospective candidate for the Council, when a new village resident stated that it must be quite difficult finding your way around – little did they know, that as a boy I ran from Russell Street to King Street and was aware of every shop, close and back stair in the village, picked berries at Shielhill, played around the Curling Pond and the Well Brae and knew the banks of the River Tay from Campsie Linn  to the Thistle Brig like the back of my hand. 

Some of my earliest memories I have is being carried on my father’s shoulders to watch the steam trains as they passed under the road bridges at the top end of the village or as a special treat a visit to Stanley station – that interest in trains and railways I might say has never left me. 

I am sure the names and place of the village will be re-called with fond memories by many during the course of the weekend – as we all go down memory lane and catch up with the intervening years.  I look forward to meeting with you later today and tomorrow.

During my time as Councillor for Stanley, I was involved in many discussions with various bodies and individuals which eventually resulted in the restoration of Stanley Mill.  I would urge our visitors if they have not already done so, to take the opportunity to visit the Mill site during your stay in the village.  It is truly significant that the listed mill buildings which gave birth to the village as we know it, have been returned to the status they richly deserve.  We look forward to the opening of the Interpretation Centre, later in the year.

Finally, may I quote one verse from a personality of the past, the Stanley Poet James Ferguson, better know by his pen name “Nisbet Noble” whose memory is commemorated in the “Auld Brae Well.”

The trees that rustle ower our heads

The Auld Kirk on the Knowe

The rowin’ river, king o’ a’

The rivers that may row

Wi’ music and wi’melodie

In Nature’s voices tell

O’ the frien’s wha played as bairnies

Roond the Auld Brae Well

As Stanley moves on from its industrious past and we look ahead to the possibility of further housing development with improved community facilities, may the slogan of the past be heard again today “On Stanley On.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, as one who has had a long association with Stanley and as a former Provost it is now my very great pleasure to formally declare the Stanley Reunion of 07.07.07 open.

Please enjoy the weekend.