A powerful statement of faith in our neighbours and community
Since becoming aware of the Shetland Food Month being observed by Councillor Armitage, I have been led to a conclusion, albeit a reluctant one: it deserves nothing short of a commendation.
Councillor Armitage and I sit on very different parts of the political spectrum. I differ from him vastly on issues, whether they be economic, energy-related or international affairs. But here I do not see a Green issue, a Liberal issue or Conservative issue. I see a Shetland issue, I see the importance of supporting local businesses and suppliers, and I see the value in nurturing a sense of self-sufficiency. I see this more so when we reside in such a remote part of the world.
But we need to ensure that this mentality, this level of awareness of where food comes from does not just last for one month, only to be forgotten during the other eleven months of the year.
Now I understand that for many, buying local produce can be out of reach, as the price difference between a basket or trolley of local produce and supermarket produce can be substantial. But that is not what I am suggesting. Instead, next time you are in the store, pick one item. Whether it be a bottle of cream or milk, or a loaf of bread, try to ensure at least one item in your shop is from a local supplier.
Do this because someday, when the boats do not come and supplies run short, it will be the local suppliers and producers we all rely on. If we fail to support them now, they may no longer be there when we need them most.
Today’s politics can be messy and it can be loud, and at times it seems that many have forgotten basic human decency and forgotten that sometimes it can be good to agree to disagree. Do not get me wrong, there is a time for passionate, and at times fierce debate but it must be approached and dealt with from a position of underlying respect for one another and for the institutions with which we interact.
It must never be forgotten that these institutions, whether it be Westminster, Holyrood or closer to home, the council, are ours. We all interact with them, whether it be as a voter, taxpayer or if one finally takes the leap and runs for office. The fact, however, remains the same — the system serves us, not the other way around.
So yes, we will disagree, perhaps at times loudly and passionately but whether someone comes from a Liberal standpoint, Conservative, Independent or Green, no matter the party, it leaves no doubt in my mind that we all want the same thing. We all want a better community, nation and world. We all have the same endpoint, we just have different ideas on how to get there.
At the end of the day, when the political noise fades, we are all still neighbours who rely on each other. If we are to truly build a better world tomorrow, we have to start at home and sustain the community we live in today. Sometimes the best way to get there, is not through grand political debates, but through simple, everyday actions that bind us together. Supporting our local businesses and producers is exactly that kind of action, a quiet but powerful statement of faith in our neighbours and community.
That is why, again, I want to thank Councillor Armitage for undertaking this challenge, and I certainly hope more join the challenge in the future.
Danny C. Parker
Delting
