As we devote our Sunday’s to reflection and remembrance, it’s worth examining what lies at the deepest roots of our Campaign.

Myself, and presumably most of us, have a very strong focus on the Castle, the Buildings, and the Artifacts. And rightfully so! Our wonderful heritage report gives us all a detailed and tangible list of what we stand to lose if Armadale is sold to a private buyer outside the Clan and Community.

But I challenge you all to see what lies at the very heart of this report. Our Heritage Committee, painstakingly researched and documented the physical representations of our shared passion for Armadale. They listed in careful detail, not only the museum items, but the memorials. This made all the more poignant by the fact that many in that committee currently have loved ones remembered on Armadale grounds.

What is this all about then? Is our focus on the loss of things? Is it on the cold stone of the castle? When I look at everything we have all done together, what I see is…..love! It is not about the items themselves, but what they truly mean to all of us.

For some, a bench with a name on it, sparks a memory of walking in front of the castle as a child, hand in hand with that loved one. For others, swords and banners inspire their love for the Clan, and it rouses their courage to fight for what they love. And perhaps for many, it’s the time they sat with their partner looking out at the Straight, and being filled with that true sense of love.

Community, friendship, family and heritage is how this Campaign will be won. Each of those pieces are tied together, in one form or another by love. In joining these together, no power, commercial interest, greed, or indifference can win. Through the building of relationships, will Armadale be saved, and all of us can form something much greater than anything we could accomplish separately.

In the end, the formula is very simple and for me, personally, it has always been the mission. Connection.

I hope your day is filled with remembrance and joy for those you share and have shared your lives with. It is a privilege to get the opportunity to build something with you all. Thank you everyone and thank you to those who came before, for all you have done and continue to do in order to Save Armadale!

Written by: Joshua Vice FSA Scot