Earlier this year all 129 MSPs were invited to nominate a constituent who makes a positive difference to the lives of others – often with little recognition – as their ‘local hero’.
Those nominated will attend a special ceremonial event to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament, taking place tomorrow. It was announced earlier this month that Their Majesties The King and Queen will be special guests at this event and will meet with local heroes.
The event will mark 25 years since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened and will include special performances from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Sistema Scotland, Còisir Alba and Calum McIlroy, showcasing Scottish music and culture.
Margaret Watt, who will be familiar to many around Glasgow, especially those living within the Garnethill community, has been nominate as Glasgow Kelvin’s Local Hero. After graduating from the Glasgow School of Art where she was involved in Activism in Art as an artist on the Garnethill Mural Project, Margaret began working in Hyndland Secondary School.
With the support of the Garnethill Community Council, Margaret founded the Friends of Garnethill Green Spaces (FROGGS) and the Community Garden in 2016; she was instrumental in in building the wood-fired oven in the Garnethill Park, which is used for community events throughout the year. She responded to the Scottish Government’s first designated Quiet Urban Space in Glasgow within Garnethill Park with a co-created artwork.
Alongside this, Margaret holds yoga classes for the community within the Garnethill Multicultural Centre, is involved in Composting For The Future in Garnethill and works with the Glasgow Community Food Network. In her spare time, Margaret is also a member of the Glasgow School of Art Choir, conducted by Jamie Sansbury, that regularly performs at The Glasgow Royal Concert Hall.
Kaukab Stewart MSP said:
“As the Scottish Parliament marks its 25th anniversary, it’s right that the people of Scotland are placed at the heart of our events.
“Together with my fellow MSPs, we want to celebrate the achievements of our Local Heroes from across every constituency and region in Scotland.
“Margaret Watt’s work is truly inspirational – she is the true protector of the Garnethill environment – and I look forward to celebrating her at this event.”
