Popular Lenzie deli win “Local Legends” award for efforts during national lockdown

The local eaterie, described as an “East dunbartonshire institution” scooped the top prize for going above and beyond for the community 
during the national lockdown.

The prize includes £1000 – £500 of it marked for a registered charity of the winner’s choosing.

Billington’s has elected to donate this sum to local charity Sporting Aces, which supports and encourages a wide range of sports activities for young people with disabilities.

Nominations for Billington’s of Lenzie referenced their efforts to help vulnerable members of the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As well as delivering food packages, the shop also diversified and extended the range of products it carried to better meet people’s needs.

Local MP Rona Mackay was one of the first to congratulate the local deli on its award.

She said: “This is a well-deserved award for an East Dunbartonshire institution, as the aptly-named ‘Local 
Legend’ award states!

“Mark and Sue Billington and their fantastic team rallied during this difficult time to deliver soup and care packages for people who were shielding or self-isolating.

“They’ve demonstrated what a vital part of our community they are, and none more so than with their donation to the Sporting Aces – a fantastic local charity that does amazing work.

“Congratulations on this award recognising your efforts during many years as well as during this challenging time.”

Billington’s posted on its Facebook page: “Absolutely stunned and delighted. We were chosen for the resilience and versatility shown through the national lockdown. The prize is worth a whopping £1000 of which we are delighted to be able to donate £500 to @thesportingaces.”

A spokesperson from the competition said: “Billingtons, described as the hub of their town, voluntarily delivered soup to the elderly and vulnerable and created care boxes filled with everyday essentials for delivery to shielding community members.

“Filling the gaps where supermarkets couldn’t provide, they also diversified, stocking more much needed everyday items.”

Sporting Aces offers opportunities for young people with a learning disability and/or a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.