Building Unity and Purpose: Tay Cluster Reflection Gathering at Perth Art Gallery

The historic Perth Art Gallery on George Street provided a fitting venue for the latest Tay Cluster Reflection Gathering, which took place on Sunday, 4 May. Friends from communities across the cluster—including Dundee, Perth, Kinross, Aberfeldy, Creith and Comry —gathered in the lecture room, creating an atmosphere of both serenity and purpose. The gathering was further enriched by the presence of  friends from Edinburgh and Glasgow who traveled with their children to participate in this special event.

Reflections from National Convention

The morning began at 9:30 with an inspiring report from our cluster's delegate to the National Convention, Carrie Varjavandi. Rather than detailed statistical slides, the presentation included photographs of the convention itself, showing the delegates from Scotland and offering a glimpse into this important national gathering.

The report included a message about the growing need for financial support, as the expansion of activities across the country places increased demands on the Bahá'í Fund. This practical reminder of the material requirements of community growth complemented the spiritual focus of the gathering.

Attendees also viewed the moving call from the Universal House of Justice's Riḍván 2024 message that "the youth must soar"—a theme that resonated throughout the consultations that followed, as participants considered how to better support the rising generation in their communities.

Children's Activities

While adults gathered in the lecture room, children enjoyed their own programme in the Perth Gallery activity room. The older youth ventured outdoors for a walk during which they memorized a quotation from the Bahá'í Writings about consultation: "Take ye counsel together in all matters, inasmuch as consultation is the lamp of guidance which leadeth the way, and is the bestower of understanding." This practical approach to learning reflected the emphasis on youth development that had been highlighted in the morning's presentation.

Cluster Progress and Achievements

Following a short break, the gathering continued with an opening devotional at 10:15, setting a spiritual foundation for the consultations to follow. Participants then reflected on the spiritual heritage of youth in Aberfeldy, followed by progress reports from communities across the cluster, including Dundee, Crieff/Comrie, and Aberfeldy.

A highlight of the morning was a collective art activity at 11:00, symbolically representing the "lights of our efforts in Tay Cluster." This creative approach to reflection helped visualize the collective impact of individual and community efforts across the region.

During this consultation, the beautiful handcrafted map of the Tay and Esslemont Clusters was displayed—a visual reminder of the geographic scope of our collective efforts and the communities we are striving to serve.

Study and Forward Planning

The gathering then turned to a study of guidance at 11:15, deepening participants' understanding of the principles that underpin their community-building work. The morning concluded with closing reflections centered around the question: "Where do we want to be as a cluster by next Riḍván? How can we each contribute to this goal?"

One suggestion that emerged was the possibility of establishing "a devotional in every home"—a vision that would significantly expand the spiritual foundation of the cluster's work. The gathering closed at 12:15 with a final prayer and the distribution of candles to each household, a symbolic reminder to carry the light of unity and service back to their respective communities.

A Setting of Architectural Beauty

The Perth Art Gallery provided an inspiring venue for the gathering, with its magnificent stained glass dome in the entrance hall casting warm light across the space. As participants moved throughout the building, they were reminded of the beauty that can arise from human creativity and collaboration.

The children's activities took place in a sensory room, where one particularly relevant quote adorned the wall: "I can tell you without diversity, creativity remains stagnant" – words from Edward Enninful OBE, the Ghanaian-born British editor and stylist. This sentiment resonated with the Bahá'í principle of unity in diversity that underpinned many of the day's discussions.

Looking Forward

As participants left with their candles, they carried with them not only a physical symbol of illumination but also renewed clarity about their collective path forward and specific plans for the coming months. The consultation had reinforced that the steady, persistent efforts of individuals, families and communities—however modest they might seem in isolation—contribute to a pattern of growth that continues to gain momentum across the cluster.

The next Tay Cluster Reflection Gathering is anticipated to take place in approximately three months, continuing this vital cycle of action, reflection, and consultation that characterises the community-building process.

"Let your vision be world-embracing, rather than confined to your own self." – Bahá'u'lláh