Jackie Baillie Praises Local Hero for Community Effort

MSP Jackie Baillie has praised the efforts of local hero, Kevin Osborne, who is set to head to Holyrood to mark his significant contribution to the community.

Jackie selected the Balloch man as her guest for the official opening of the Scottish Parliament’s seventh term, on Saturday.

Faslane naval base worker, Kevin, was nominated for his effort in establishing volunteer group The Leven Line, which sees him dedicating his spare time to cleaning and renovating the banks of the River Leven.

He will join Jackie at Holyrood after being nominated for recognition by fellow members of Lomond Parish Church for his contribution to the local environment.

Residents were offered the opportunity to nominate a local hero to join celebrations to mark the official opening of the seventh term – following the Scottish Parliament’s inception in 1999.

King Charles will attend the ceremonial event, with all 129 MSPs given the chance to take a guest along.

Dumbarton MSP Jackie, who has served the Dumbarton Constituency since the return of the Parliament to Holyrood in 1999,  opened up her invitation to nominations for deserving community champions.

Her pick from the shortlist of a host of worthy nominees, was Kevin, who regularly cleans rubbish from the banks of the River Leven – and even from the waterway itself.

He carries out improvements in his own time, using his own tools, to improve the banks of the Leven for the community and make it a nicer place to walk, run, jog and cycle.

An official ceremony will take place in Holyrood’s Debating Chamber, alongside a celebration of national music and culture.

The event will be followed by a lunch reception hosted by Presiding Officer, Kenneth Gibson.

Jackie said: “I received a high number of nominations of really dedicated volunteers, who carry out all manner of roles in our community. I want to thank them all for their contribution to our local area.

“I was delighted to hear of Kevin’s selfless efforts to help improve the banks of the River Leven for everyone to enjoy.

“It is commendable that members of the community dedicate their own time and effort to help improve the environment,  for  the enjoyment of others.

“The opening ceremony offers a chance to recognise these efforts and pay tribute to dedicated volunteers who have helped support our local community and it is heartening to know that there are so many out there who go above and beyond.”

Delighted Kevin added: “I am genuinely honoured and humbled to have been invited to attend the Opening Ceremony of the Scottish Parliament as a Local Hero.

“When I started working on The Leven Line, it was about getting outside, improving a place I care about and doing my bit for the River Leven and the local community and I never expected it to lead to something like this.

“The recognition is not just for me, it represents everyone who has volunteered, donated, shared posts, stopped for a chat, offered encouragement or simply taken pride in seeing the area improve.”