Community champion Terry Paterson was crowned as a true local hero as she attended the ceremonial opening of the Scottish Parliament, attended by the King and Queen.
Terry was invited to Saturday’s special occasion at Holyrood by Alex Kerr MSP as the Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse constituency’s local hero in honour of her voluntary work with both Larkhall Plan Partnership (LPP) and Larkhall community growers, which she established in 2010 and has since expanded into a vital network of community support groups.
She was among 129 inspirational individuals invited to attend the official opening event marking the seventh session of the parliament – with the same honour also going to Bonnie Blantyre founder Dr Susan Lindner-Kelly and Uddingston care home staff member Janine Boyle.
Terry was chosen from the nominations received by newly-elected Hamilton representative Mr Kerr for her “tireless dedication and profound impact on the lives of residents across Larkhall and the surrounding areas”.
He described her as a “stalwart community activist” for her work in developing the town’s non-profit Community Growers organisation and for her “pivotal” role with LPP, which works to ensure views of local residents are shared directly with decision makers including local politicians and health officials.
The local heroes, chosen for making “an extraordinary, lasting difference within their communities”, met the King and Queen and were guests of honour for the opening ceremony in the Holyrood chamber – with Terry being accompanied by community colleague Nancy Barr, the LPP chair.
Sharing the occasion on the Larkhall community growers Facebook page, a post read: “We had the pleasure of being at the opening of the Scottish Parliament and representing the third sector in Larkhall. It was an honour to be part of this fantastic day.”
Mr Kerr said: “Saturday was a special day; after a busy first few weeks, it was wonderful to pause and spend the day with colleagues and friends, and most importantly, to highlight the incredible work of my local hero, Terry.
“Her relentless dedication has been transformative for Larkhall. She played a pivotal role in the LPP, which unites charities, voluntary groups, South Lanarkshire Council, the health and social care partnership and the private sector, giving our community a real say in the matters that affect them most.
“Thank you to everyone across the constituency who nominated a local hero – reading about the diverse and impactful work happening in our communities has been truly inspiring. Hamilton, Larkhall & Stonehouse is home to so many exceptional individuals and local champions; I am incredibly proud to represent you and look forward to working together throughout this parliamentary term.”
Bonnie Blantyre founder Susan attended as the constituency hero chosen by Clare Haughey of the Rutherglen seat which includes Blantyre; while Uddingston & Bellshill representative Steven Bonnar was accompanied by Janine, a popular wellbeing co-ordinator at Highgate care home on Old Edinburgh Road in Uddingston.
Susan has spent more than a decade volunteering across multiple Blantyre community groups, and Ms Haughey said it was “an absolute pleasure” to invite her to Holyrood as “well-deserved recognition of the work she has done in the town and beyond”.
The local hero told on Bonnie Blantyre social media how she had shaken hands with the King and said: “What a special day. We met some inspiring individuals who do great work where they live – brilliant meeting so many smashing people.”
Highgate staff member Janine was chosen by Uddingston representative Mr Bonnar, who said she was “recognised for her care and compassion when carrying out her work as a wellbeing co-ordinator at [the] care home.
“It was my honour to invite her and her guest to be alongside local heroes from across Scotland to mark the outstanding contribution they make to our communities; I hope all at Highgate car home can enjoy this recognition of one of their excellent staff team.”
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