Search begins for Orkney’s Local Hero
Orkney’s MSP, Liam McArthur, has launched a new search for Orkney’s Local Hero.
The celebrated resident will join MSPs and other Local Heroes from across Scotland at a special commemorative event in Holyrood on Saturday, June 29, to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.
Every MSP is being asked to nominate one of their constituents who has made an extraordinary contribution to their community.
The Local Heroes will be invited to attend the celebration event, alongside their MSP, almost 25 years to the day since the Scottish Parliament was officially opened on July 1, 1999.
Mr McArthur launched a similar search in 2021 to mark the opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament.
Neil and Sarah Taylor, who ran a soup kitchen in Stromness during the pandemic, were nominated to attend the event and were presented to the guests of honour, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the then–Duke and Duchess of Rothesay.
To nominate a Local Hero you can contact Mr McArthur at Liam.mcarthur.msp@parliament.scot, or contact the constituency office, 14 Palace Road, Kirkwall, KW15 1PA, briefly setting out your reasons for nominating this person.
Launching the search, Mr McArthur said: “So many people in Orkney selflessly give their time and energy to support our local community, making a positive contribution to the lives of others and often without recognition.
“As the Scottish Parliament prepares to celebrate 25 years, it is right that Local Heroes from every constituency and region in Scotland are present to mark this significant milestone.
“Of course, selecting just one nominee is going to enormously difficult. However, I look forward to receiving nominations and hearing about the good work taking place across Orkney.
“I’d encourage anyone who has someone they want to nominate to get in touch as soon as possible before the deadline of May 27.”