A CLACKS woman who has been recognised for her efforts in promoting lung health is set to attend the opening of the Scottish Parliament this weekend.

The Wee County's Linda McLeod BEM will be one Local Hero, selected by an MSP, to attend the opening ceremony on Saturday, October 2, and mark the beginning of the sixth session at Holyrood.

Linda, chair of lung health support group Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire which this summer received its Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, has been selected by MSP Alexander Stewart for the part she played during the pandemic.

As the coronavirus pandemic approached Scotland, the group's physical meetings had to be suspended and indeed, many members were shielding due to their respiratory conditions, which placed them at high risk should they contract Covid-19.

Linda was praised for the part she played in tackling loneliness among members.

She, along with trustees of the group, organised afternoon teas to be delivered to members, courtesy of Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface (CTSI).

With help from Sauchie Community Group, the group also secured funding for the cost of photo books of historic events for every member.

Thanks to Alloa's Resilience Learning Partnership, members of Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire also received wellbeing boxes while goodie bags also delighted people around Christmas time.

Linda has also secured funding for a bimonthly newsletter for members which has been going strong since.

And despite all the challenges of Covid-19, Breathe Easy Clackmannanshire achieved charitable status last year.

MSP Stewart, who has been a supporter of the group, was delighted to nominate Linda.

He said: “What was missing in physical contact was augmented by an awareness of the kindness of others, as well as the truly excellent interaction by many of our local groups, whom I also very much support.

“All this work and much more, including their regular newsletter which is co-ordinated by Linda as chairperson, who has formed an immensely cohesive and enthusiastic team.

“They do everything they can for the benefit of everyone living with a serious lung condition, as well for all our local communities across the Wee County and this specifically is why Linda McLeod has been nominated as my Local Hero.”

Linda told the Advertiser she was absolutely honoured to have been nominated and is looking forward to the event this Saturday, October 2.

The opening ceremony, which will welcome “local heroes” from across Scotland for the part they played during the pandemic, will see the queen in attendance, joined by Prince Charles, heir apparent, and his wife Camilla.