East Renfrewshire’s High Street Heroes honoured

Regional champions have been recognised in each of Scotland’s 32 local authority areas – alongside others highly commended – after more than 1,200 nominations, covering hundreds of people, were made as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

Tariq Chishti, of Netherlee Post and News, was regional champion in East Renfrewshire as judges were told: “In lockdown he became the go-to person. For older members of the community, his food deliveries were lifesavers and his social media presence brought the community together.”

Regional Champion

Tariq Chishti, Netherlee Post & News

Highly Commended

Ashton Wilson. volunteer in the community, Busby

Fiona and Barry Lethem, Gifted, Clarkston

High Street Heroes

Alec of the Cooperative on Eaglesham Road, Clarkston

Eamonn McCafferty, Eamonn’s Autos, Thornliebank

Fiona and Barry Leathem, Gifted, Clarkston

Freya Young, Eaglesham Street Library

Include Me 2 Club, Barrhead

Jane Gebbie, home care reablement support worker

Karen Minnery, Cats Protection Giffnock & District Branch

Marianna Penman, Mariannas Deli, Newton Mearns

Staff at Jafar’s Store, Barrhead

William McMillan, Stamperland Hardware, Clarkston

à bientôt, Clarkston

Bickets Master Butchers, Barrhead

Frankies, Giffnock

NBR Hair and Beauty, Clarkston

The Movie Cafe in Eaglesham

Thomson Bros Butchers, Giffnock

Scotland’s Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell today praised each and every one of them for their efforts, saying: “I would like to thank these High Street Heroes for going the extra mile to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.

“I am pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support these awards through our funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They typify the kind of community spirit that has supported people and improved lives.

“This has been a difficult year for all of us, and the only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed. The fact that these awards received more than 1,200 nominations just shows how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another.”