13.05.2011
A nationwide search for local heroes from across Scotland is launched today by all 129 Members of the Scottish Parliament.
MSPs nominate a local hero from their constituency or region in recognition of the important contribution they have made to the lives of other people living in Scotland either locally or nationally. They can be people who inspire others or people who work largely without recognition.
The local heroes will participate in the ‘riding’ of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile, which forms part of the day’s activities on Friday 1 July to mark the opening of the fourth session of the Scottish Parliament.
The riding will be themed to reflect the sentiments of the Parliament’s Mace: Wisdom, Justice, Compassion and Integrity - representing the aspirations of the Scottish people for the Members of their Parliament.
As part of the riding, the local heroes will walk alongside 1,500 other prominent Scots, schoolchildren, parliamentarians, religious leaders and other guests from public life.
Background
The fourth session of the Scottish Parliament will be marked on Friday 1 July. In the Chamber, Her Majesty The Queen will address newly elected Members of the Parliament and guests. Following the departure of The Queen, the riding will take place, marking the centuries-old Scots tradition of parliament.
All Members of the Scottish Parliament are inviting local heroes from their area to come to Holyrood to take part in the riding, ensuring it reflects Scotland’s achievements and aspirations.
In the afternoon, the Scottish Parliament will open its doors to guests and members of the public with an Open Day, free tours and musical performances to showcase young Scottish talent.
In 2007, the local heroes included asylum lawyer Neil Barnes; founder of the asthma charity Asirus, Maria Murray; the Chair of Greenock Arts Guild Theatre, John Philips and charity supporter Donnie Mackay.
Members of the media should contact:
Ann Donald: 0131 348 5605 RNID TypeTalk calls welcome
Email: ann.donald@scottish.parliament.uk
Scottish Parliament Committees homepage
For public information enquiries, contact:
Telephone: 0131 348 5000 / 0800 092 7500 (Public Enquiries) / 0131 348 5395 (Gàidhlig)
Textphone users can contact us on 0800 092 7100. We also welcome calls using the RNID Typetalk service. Email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk
You can now get in touch with the Parliament by text message. Our interactive service enables you to get the name of your MSP by sending your postcode, lets you ask questions about the Parliament and its work, and enables you to request a selection of free leaflets. The number to take advantage of is 07786 209888. Texts are charged at standard network rates. More details can be found on our Text Service page