A SAUCHIE organisation has appointed Labour council election candidate Craig Miller as its new community manager.

The town's community group were awarded cash from the Big Lottery to fund the role, making it a first-time employer.

Keith Turner, president of Sauchie Community Group, said: "We are so grateful to the Big Lottery for giving us this opportunity to become employers.

"The new role will help to increase activity within the community, improve our outreach opportunities and also encourage more volunteering within the Sauchie area.

“We were genuinely humbled by the number of applications we received from people who wanted to be part of the Community Group's journey and were overwhelmed by the calibre of those we interviewed.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Craig Miller as the community manager and know that his experience will mean he can hit the floor running in his new role."

Craig added: "I am so pleased to have been appointed as Sauchie Community Group's first member of staff.

"As community manager I am looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that this role will bring.

"For over 25 years the Community Group has been at the very heart of Sauchie and I look forward to helping with continuing that journey.

“I will be supporting the board with their current programme whilst also looking at new opportunities within the Resource Centre and through our outreach programme. This is a very exciting time for Sauchie Community Group and I am pleased that I can play a part in it.”