Perthshire North MSP, Mr John Swinney, has attended the official opening of the Scottish Parliament with his nominated Local Hero, Julie Dunbar.

Julie was a volunteer for Feldy-Roo, a community organisation started in Highland Perthshire during the first Covid lockdown that delivered free hot meals to vulnerable and shielding adults whilst also ensuring they did not suffer from social isolation. Julie attended with her guest, Sheila Dixon, who had been one of the beneficiaries of Feldy-Roo’s meal delivery service.

As part of this year’s opening ceremony, MSPs were invited to nominate a Local Hero who had made a difference to their community to attend with them.

Commenting, Mr Swinney said:

“The opening of Parliament is always a special occasion, and allows MSPs across all parties to come together in a spirit of unity.

“Following the tremendous challenges that our country has faced over the past 18 months, it was fitting that individuals who had made a profound difference to their local communities received recognition at this ceremony.

“To that end, I was delighted to invite Julie to the opening of Parliament. The work undertaken by Julie, and Feldy-Roo as a whole, is a testament to the community spirit that exists in Highland Perthshire and speaks to her selflessness and determination to help others. I am particularly pleased that she brought as her guest Sheila, who was one of the individuals who benefited from Feldy-Roo.

“I would once more like to put on record my thanks not just to Julie, but to all those involved in Feldy-Roo. It was a pleasure to spend the day with Julie and Sheila, and I hope that the occasion proved a memorable one for both of them.”