Each New Year brings fresh hopes and 2014 has significant events. The Homecoming, the Commonwealth Games and Ryder Cup will doubtless showcase Scotland well. Then there is the historic Scottish Referendum to be held on 18 September, asking the simple question – should Scotland become a separate country?

My predictions for the year? Well, here are five suggestions: The city centre redevelopment road works in Dundee will continue to frustrate unsuspecting drivers. Pope Francis will visit the Holy Land, bringing fresh energy to the Israeli-Palestinian quest for a lasting reconciliation. The Stock Market FTSE 100 will reach 7000 points briefly during the year.  Dundee United will be Scottish Premier League runners up and reach European competition. The voting turnout for the Referendum will be close to 65%, higher than at the last UK General Election.

New Year is also a time for resolutions, even though I suspect that many personal ones are broken within twenty-four hours! For starters I probably ought to take up more physical exercise, but business frustrates our best intentions. We have plenty to be getting on with in the Scottish Episcopal Church and this diocese. I am looking forward to the arrival in Dundee of Dr Stephen Robson, the new Roman Catholic Bishop of Dunkeld and to collaborating with all those working for the good of our communities in the region.

Whatever your personal New Year resolutions may be I hope that 2014 will unfold in ways that enrich your life and those close to you.

Categories: Bishop, Reflections