Deserving local heroes were treated to a day to remember at Holyrood last week as they joined HM The King and Queen Camilla at an event marking the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Scottish Parliament.
Fallin community stalwart Michelle Robertson was invited to the occasion by Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed, while Dunblane’s Sid Pask was the guest of Clackmannanshire and Dunblane MSP Keith Brown and bus campaigner Val Brand was nominated by Green MSP Mark Ruskell.
Earlier this year all 129 MSPs were invited to nominate a constituent who makes a positive difference to the lives of others – often with little recognition – as their ‘local hero’.
Those nominated were invited to attend a special ceremonial event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament on Saturday where special guests, the King and Queen, met with local heroes.
The event also included special performances from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sistema Scotland, Còisir Alba and Calum McIlroy, showcasing Scottish music and culture.
Evelyn said: “It was a great day at the Scottish Parliament 25th anniversary celebrations and lovely to meet Michelle Robertson from Fallin – an amazing local hero who has done so much in her community. It was also fantastic to meet her mum Christine.
“Michelle is a huge advocate of Fallin and works tirelessly as a trustee of Fallin Community Voice to improve the lives of people in the village. Michelle recently won the Trustee of the Year Award at the SCVO Awards for her efforts.
“It is my privilege to invite her to the Parliament and to recognise the important work she does for her community.”
Michelle said she was “honoured” to be asked along, adding: “Thank you to my village. Without you I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. Fallin is a fabulous community and is becoming even better all the time.”
Sid Pask is a founder member of Wee County Harriers – who are also celebrating their 25th anniversary this year. Over the years, Sid has served as a coach at the club, currently coaching the junior section. He has also helped develop training plans for club members to complete the Stirling Marathon and, most recently, this year’s Alloa Half Marathon where there were 71 entries from the club.
Sid has also had a longstanding involvement with the Dunblane Road Race.
MSP Keith Brown said: “So many people are hugely deserving of recognition and I’m sure I could have filled the parliament with those from my constituency alone.
“However, in an Olympic year, I thought it was fitting to recognise Sid for his contribution to providing support and inspiration to so many young athletes in our local area.
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“It was great also to see all the local heroes from across the country on the day – it’s a timely reminder that it’s people and communities who make Scotland.”
Sid said: “I was privileged and honoured to be nominated as Keith’s local hero and was delighted to accept on behalf of the Wee County Harriers in what is also our 25th anniversary.
“Jackie and I really enjoyed the celebrations and the opportunity to meet so many people from across Scotland who were also being recognised for the part they play in their local communities.”
A campaigner for better buses for Stirling was the nomination of Mark Ruskell MSP – the Stirling-based Scottish Green MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife.
Val Brand has been campaigning for improved bus services in the Stirling area for many years – standing up for passengers and holding private companies to account.
Speaking after the event, Val said: “I am extremely humbled to have been nominated as a local hero but this honour really belongs to bus users across Stirling who have fought and continue to fight alongside me to try to improve Stirling’s bus provision including the quality of vehicles used, especially rural bus services where public transport is so vital.
“And none more so than the long suffering X10 Balfron-Stirling passengers, including those who are no longer with us, but who many years ago got together and decided when their vital bus services were cut that enough was enough. They are the real heroes. This accolade is for all of them.”
Mr Ruskell said: “Val Brand’s work is truly inspirational. Her determination to stand up for passengers and make things better for the local area is commendable. Every community needs a Val Brand!”