A SOUTH Cowal volunteer who has dedicated years to improving her community has been recognised as Argyll and Bute’s Local Hero during the official opening of the Scottish Parliament.
Eleanor Stevenson, from Innellan, was selected by Argyll and Bute MSP Jenni Minto to attend the prestigious ceremony at Holyrood, where she joined inspirational volunteers from across Scotland who have gone above and beyond for their local communities.
The honour is awarded at the start of every new Scottish Parliament, with each MSP invited to nominate a local resident whose commitment to their community deserves national recognition.
Mrs Stevenson has been a driving force in South Cowal for many years. She serves as a trustee and committee member of Innellan Village Hall, sits on the committee of community-owned shop The Lido, is a long-standing member of South Cowal Community Council and was a founding member of Inspiring Innellan.
Through Inspiring Innellan, she has helped lead countless community projects, from painting the village’s seafront railings and maintaining public spaces to creating colourful floral displays and developing children’s play areas.
Announcing her nomination, Jenni Minto MSP said: “Argyll and Bute is full of amazing people, with community at their heart, so it has been difficult to choose just one person to receive this recognition. However, after carefully considering the nominations, it was clear that Eleanor was very deserving.”
Following the ceremony, Mrs Stevenson reflected on what she described as a memorable day at Holyrood. She said: “I had a lovely day. Everything was well organised and people were very helpful.
“It was interesting to speak to the other Local Heroes and find out what they had been nominated for. I met Queen Camilla and enjoyed people watching when everyone was gathered together. The actual ceremony was interesting too, with the entertainment part of it being excellent.
“All in all, I had a good day and enjoyed being part of the proceedings.”
Another Dunoon local, Nathan Paul (12), was also present at the ceremony, where he played with the National Youth Pipe Band of Scotland, of which he is a member.
