The sun may be rising over an Angus burgh for some but others are not feeling the love tonight.
Community figures in Brechin have commented on a popular internet meme – a concept spread over the web – which has popped up on Twitter and Facebook recently.
Brechin and District Community Council convener Grahame Lockhart was among those to receive a picture by email.
A scene from the 1994 animated classic bears the characters Mufasa and his cub Simba. The son, soon to be king of the desert after many adventures, asks his father: “What’s that dark, shadowy place in the distance?” The king answers: “That’s Brechin Simba, you must never go there.”
This of course differs from what the James Earl Jones-voiced character says in the Disney film: “That’s beyond our borders. You must never go there, Simba.”
However, Mr Lockhart said this bears out a negative perception of Brechin that he sees from outside.
He said his thoughts “quickly went to the good things that have been happening in Brechin” in recent years and the positive spirit developing among the community.
Significant amounts of money have been spent in recent years as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) and Town Centre Regeneration Funds as well as the initiatives of Brechin Retailers’ Association and other groups and organisations to enhance the appearance of the buildings and to attract visitors to town.
The community council, the City of Brechin and Area Partnership and local retailers are discussing working together to develop further initiatives.
He said: “I was concerned that this was the perception of people outside Brechin in spite of all that has been done in Brechin and the efforts of so many members of the community who have been involved in all these activities.
“I would encourage everyone to do their best to promote the positive things happening in Brechin to their friends from further afield.
“The days in the City events are now well established, preparations for the first Brechin Music Fest are progressing well, and the community council will be looking at some short-term projects whilst developing our long-term aims.
The group’s next meeting takes place on May 7 in the Damacre Centre and will include updates on the community campus and a Brechin Development Trust.
A community council spokeswoman said: “To end this on a positive note, Simba ended up in the dark place and found it bright and cheery and the residents full of the joys.
“Perhaps that’s one aspiration we can achieve for Brechin if we put our minds to it and all work together for our community.”
Among the community events planned for Brechin this year is the inaugural Music Fest on August 30 and 31.
Community councillor Wendy Coutts said: “The first Brechin Music Fest is being developed and is well under way. The support we have received from the community so far has been amazing.
“The last fund raiser held at the Nova sold over 150 tickets. Bill Butchart, one of the original DJs for Flicks, provided a nonstop night of entertainment.
“The group has also received financial support from businesses in the town and many Brechin folk have pledged their support for the weekend.”
A further event is planned for June 15 in the City Club.
Local councillor Mairi Evans said: “It’s not something I’d be looking to post on my Facebook or Twitter account.
“I want to talk Brechin up and this might be a bit of a joke – but people who are not from here are more likely not to get it.”