Local heroes from Perth and Kinross were invited along to Holyrood at the weekend for the official opening of the new parliament.
Among them was Christine Sloan from the Letham Climate Shop.
She was the guest of Jim Fairlie, MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire.
Mr Fairlie said: “Although there is a certain amount of pomp, the Scottish Parliament does try to keep the official opening ceremony as grounded and inclusive as possible. One of the ways of doing that is enabling MSPs to nominate their ‘Local Heroes’.
“These inspiring individuals are invited to attend as guests and as part of the proceedings tribute was paid to the efforts of our local heroes for the part they have played in their communities throughout the pandemic.
“I was absolutely delighted to welcome my nominee, Christine Sloan from Letham Climate Swap Shop, as Perthshire South and Kinross-shire’s Local Hero. She was accompanied by her son Peter and I was honoured to be able to introduce them to Nicola Sturgeon and to tell the first minister about the amazing work done by the team Christine leads.”
Julie Dunbar was the guest of Perthshire North MSP John Swinney at Holyrood on Saturday.
Julie was a volunteer for Feldy-Roo, a community organisation started in Highland Perthshire during the first COVID lockdown that delivered free hot meals to vulnerable and shielding adults whilst also ensuring they did not suffer from social isolation.
She attended with her guest, Sheila Dixon, who had been one of the beneficiaries of Feldy-Roo’s meal delivery service.
Mr Swinney said: “Following the tremendous challenges that our country has faced over the past 18 months, it was fitting that individuals who had made a profound difference to their local communities received recognition at this ceremony.
“To that end, I was delighted to invite Julie to the opening of parliament. The work undertaken by Julie, and Feldy-Roo as a whole, is a testament to the community spirit that exists in Highland Perthshire and speaks to her selflessness and determination to help others. I am particularly pleased that she brought as her guest Sheila, who was one of the individuals who benefited from Feldy-Roo."
Also enjoying a trip to Edinburgh was Robert Allan of Kinross Rugby Club.
He was invited by Liz Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.
Ms Smith said: “I was absolutely delighted to welcome Robert Allan of Kinross Rugby Club to Holyrood for the official opening of the Scottish Parliament and even more delighted that the Queen took time to speak with him and commend the club for all that it had achieved during the pandemic.
“Everywhere I go in Kinross local people speak very highly of the club and, most especially, its work with junior players, many of whom had a really tough time during the height of COVID when so many other activities were halted.
“I warmly congratulate the club and look forward to its continuing progress this season.”
Phil Seymour, the former chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, was delighted to meet Her Majesty The Queen at the Scottish Parliament when he went as a guest of Murdo Fraser MSP, who represents Mid Scotland and Fife.
Phil said: “It was a real honour to have the opportunity to attend the opening of the Scottish Parliament. It was excellent to be able to see all the parliament buildings and the fantastic architecture up close, including the debating chamber.
“To have the opportunity to meet and speak to Her Majesty The Queen was a real privilege. Overall it was a great day all round and much appreciated.”
Mr Fraser added: “He is a real local hero who did so much to co-ordinate the community response to COVID, so it was fitting he received this prestigious award at his special day at the Scottish Parliament.”
