Community champions from across Almond Valley have been recognised at the Scottish Parliament following a strong response to nominations for a Local Hero to attend the Opening of the Scottish Parliament.
Recognition for Nominees
Members of the public were invited to nominate a Local Hero from Almond Valley, with one person to be selected to join Almond Valley MSP Angela Constance at the Opening of Parliament. With so many deserving people put forward, Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley invited the nominees to the Scottish Parliament to recognise and thank them for the contribution they make to communities across Almond Valley.
Lorraine Gillies was selected as Almond Valley's Local Hero and joined Angela Constance MSP at the Opening of the Scottish Parliament. The nominees were recognised for the many ways in which they support others and strengthen their communities, including through volunteering, community work and acts of kindness.
MSP's Praise
Angela Constance said: "Our communities are made stronger by people who give their time, energy and compassion to support others, often without expecting anything in return."
"We received so many fantastic nominations when we asked people to put forward a Local Hero to join me at the Opening of the Scottish Parliament. While only one person could be selected for that role, I felt it was important that everyone who was nominated received recognition for the difference they make."
"It was a real privilege to welcome the nominees to the Scottish Parliament and hear more about the contribution they make to communities across Almond Valley. I was delighted that Lorraine Gillies was selected as our Local Hero and was able to join me for the Opening of Parliament. Every person nominated should be incredibly proud."
"They represent the very best of Almond Valley, and I hope they know how much their efforts are valued and appreciated."
List of Nominees
The Almond Valley nominees were Loraine Lambie of Community Activism for Wildlife & Hedgehogs, Karon Langan from Dedridge Litter Pickers, Donna Paterson-Harvie of Neil's Hugs, Eddie Anderson from West Lothian News, Benji Touglapadi from the LivIndians group, Margaret Mimer of West Lothian Litter Pickers, Mark Deans from The Scheme, Tracy Hadlow of Addiction and Recovery (in conjunction with a number of organisations including Neil's Hugs) and Jennifer Harley from Jak's Den.
