A Prestwick community stalwart has scooped an MSP’s Local Hero accolade.
Billy Herd, 79, received the top title from Ayr MSP Siobhian Brown as every MSP in the country was asked to nominate one of their constituents who makes a positive difference in their community.
The search for 129 Local Heroes across Scotland was launched in August, with the aim of finding someone in the constituency who has made a difference to the lives of others over the past year and beyond.
Billy has been a volunteer and fundraiser since the 1990s.
He has been involved with CLIC Malcolm Sargent House and the campaign to save it, as well as The Ayrshire Hospice, Whiteleys Retreat and Ayrshire Cancer Support.
Amongst his fundraising efforts are walking the Great Wall of China, sky diving and a charity zipline — all of which he completed in his 70s.
And during the height of the pandemic when Billy had to shield, he continued to help the community by becoming a telephone befriender and writing about his experiences in an online blog.
Billy, along with the other 128 local heroes, will join The Queen and Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay at Holyrood on October 2 as The Queen marks the opening of the Sixth Session of the Scottish Parliament.
Ms Brown said: “I know many people across Ayr, Prestwick and Troon give their time and energy selflessly, and have especially during this very difficult and challenging time.
“Many of my constituents make a positive contribution to the lives of others — often without recognition. The many nominations I received prove this and I thank each one of them.
“Billy is one of these people. An unsung hero in the community and a true star.
“The work he has done for charity is remarkable and the fact that he has kept going at nearly 80 is testament to his strength of character and his resolve.
“I want to personally thank Billy for his unwavering commitment to these local charities.
“As the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament gets underway it’s important that we recognise the work that has been going on in our communities and it is important our local heroes get the recognition they deserve.”
On receiving the accolade Billy said: “It’s a real honour and privilege to be selected as Siobhian’s local hero and to go to the opening of parliament.
“I will continue to do what I can for the community for as long as I can, and I thank everyone for their support over the years and for their kind words.”
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