An East Kilbride councillor has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for his dedication to the community he serves.
Councillor David Watson of South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) has been shortlisted in the Lifetime Contribution category of the 2021 Councillor Awards.
Running for the fourth year, the awards are the only national ceremony to celebrate the vital contributions of councillors.
Councillor Watson told Lanarkshire Live : "It is a privilege to serve my local community and an honour to be recognised for this work.”
He was first elected in 1992 to East Kilbride District Council and has served continuously in local government since, always representing his local community where he resides.
As well as his councillor role Mr Watson plays an important role in community groups in East Kilbride.
He is a long standing executive member of East Kilbride Sports Council, East Kilbride Twinning Association, South Lanarkshire Disability Sport and has recently been appointed to the position of vice chair of East Kilbride Youth Disability Sports Club.
After being first elected, he took on the challenge of opposing a plan by ELM Energy to build a tyre incinerator in the heart of his ward beside Hairmyres Hospital.
This plan was being supported by the council administration but Councillor Watson mobilised the local community and this plan was eventually scrapped.
Since then Councillor Watson has a successful track record of campaigning on local issues.
From school zoning placing requests, new school builds, campaigning against reduced opening hours for leisure facilities in his ward, to better public transport.
He has also hit out against fly-tipping and also succeeded in getting grass maintenance reinstated in a large area of the ward when the Council tried to stop maintaining the area.
Meanwhile, Councillor David MacDonald from East Renfrewshire Council has also been shortlisted in the Community Champion category.
The awards are run by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) Scotland with the backing of fund managers CCLA.
Jonathan Carr-West, chief executive of LGIU Scotland, said: “This year’s awards shortlist showcases the best of local government.
"During a time when they have experienced unprecedented challenges and pressure, these councillors are true champions for local government and their communities."
The awards will be held on November 24 in Glasgow City Chambers and will also be broadcast live on YouTube.
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