THE good weather has been a boon for local festivals making a return post-Covid.

They’re a vital part of the community, often linking history and heritage with the new landscape for both long-term residents and new arrivals. We’ve been living in silos for too long and mixing once again is welcome and necessary for wellbeing for so many. The work in arranging them, though, is considerable and all those involved in arranging them deserve thanks.

The sunshine has also just been enjoyed by us all. It does improve our mood. But it does have some implications, as droughts down south show. Scotland has not been unaffected, with Fife and the Borders seeing water levels dip alarmingly. Indeed, walking in some central Highland Munros recently, it was obvious that river and loch levels were down considerably.

Scotland is fortunate in that Scottish Water has never been privatised. That’s not to say there’s not issues, as sewage, as well as water supply, require upgrading and that comes at a cost. England, though, is paying the price for the absurdity that you could turn a public necessity into a private monopoly and all would be wonderful.

It’s been a godsend for corporate executives at these privatised companies, where salaries and bonuses have gone through the roof. But investment in new facilities has been lacking and the price is now being paid by all. Water and sewage, as with energy and power, are vital for our society and community. They cannot be left to the whim of private companies more concerned with shareholder value and corporate profits than community wellbeing.

The smile that many had from the sun on their face was also lost with interest rate rises. That compounds the pressures already faced with energy for many, especially young people and families. It’s hard enough buying a home for so many now and these increased costs are going to hit many very hard. It’s not tax cuts for the corporates or wealthy that’s needed but support for ordinary people.