On Saturday 2nd of October, the Opening Ceremony for the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament took place in the Debating Chamber.
This year’s ceremony paid tribute to ‘local heroes’ chosen from across Scotland for the part they played during the pandemic in supporting their local community.
Fiona Hyslop, MSP for the Linlithgow constituency, nominated Vicky Dunnett for her work at the Boghall Drop-in Centre. Vicky was instrumental in coordinating and organising the efforts of the team at the Centre, which supported many people in Boghall, and further afield throughout the lockdowns.
The small team at Boghall Drop-in Centre, supported by Vicky, coordinated efforts between chefs, delivery drivers and those able to give donations to allow thousands of meals to be distributed to people who needed them. The small team included Graham Cavan, Heather McCormack and Kelly Drummond.
Additionally, during the lockdown, Vicky and her small team designed services which were delivered by staff and volunteers. These services were for anyone across West Lothian, and there were no barriers to access. Some of the services included an outside library, activity packs, weekly food hampers, Christmas dinner and gifts, and much more.
Fiona commented;
“I am proud to nominate Vicky Dunnett, and by extension her team, for all their hard work and dedication throughout the pandemic to feed their community and to keep spirits high.
“The generosity and efforts of Vicky and her team benefited many in my constituency, and I am sure people will not forgot the services and help provided for a long time.
“Vicky really is a local hero to the people of Boghall and beyond, and I am so pleased that I can nominate her for the Opening Ceremony to make sure Vicky and her team get the recognition they deserve.
“The Boghall Drop-in Centre was just one of the many organisations who provided such important voluntary community resilience work in West Lothian and Vicky is one of many people who helped support local communities in my Constituency and her nomination is representative of all that effort and commitment to support local people during the pandemic.”
ENDS
