A DEDICATED gardener, a well-known activist and a kind community figure have all been nominated as local heroes by MSPs.

In July, all 129 MSPs were invited to nominate a constituent who made a positive difference to the lives of others – often with little recognition – as their local hero.

All local heroes will make a contribution to the Scottish Parliament’s opening ceremony events to mark the start of the new Parliamentary session on October 2.

Rab Moran, 77, a volunteer who can be seen watering planters in Haddington every morning, has been nominated by Craig Hoy, South Scotland MSP, in recognition of the outstanding contribution he has made to the lives of other people from his community.

Rab can be spotted on the streets of Haddington from 6am watering the town’s 200 hanging baskets as part of Blooming Haddington.

He had previously worked as a long-distance lorry driver for 20 years and also worked in the town’s Railway Hotel as a barman.

He volunteers for not only Blooming Haddington but also Our Community Kitchen – which aims to tackle social isolation by getting people round the lunch table – and Haddington and District Community Council, spending much of his time helping at community events.

Mr Hoy said: “Every day, Rab works tirelessly from the crack of dawn to brighten up his community and the lives of its residents and visitors.

“His work for Our Community Kitchen and Haddington and District Community Council has had a massive impact in Haddington and it is a real testament to his commitment to East Lothian.

“I look forward to joining him for the special opening of the Scottish Parliament in October, and once restrictions lift, as part of a wider reception in Parliament where I will be welcoming other local heroes from our community.”

Meanwhile, Ruth Davie, from Prestonpans, has been nominated by fellow South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield in recognition of the positive difference she has made to the lives of others.

Ruth works at the Pennypit Community Development Trust and is a community nutritionist who manages the charity’s food project Fundamental Foods and is closely involved in local food projects, including the Preston Seton Gosford and Fa’side lunch clubs, Pennypit Pantry, Fa’side Community Kitchen and East Lothian Friendly Food Network.

Mr Whitfield said: “It’s never an easy task to choose one individual in this way, so picking Ruth was a very personal decision for me.

“I have known and worked with her since I first moved to East Lothian. Throughout that time, she has been a wonderfully passionate and committed supporter of her community and local people.

“Her dedication to helping and supporting others has been even more evident during the pandemic and lockdown, with her work in both PSG and Fa’side making a significant contribution to efforts to combat food poverty.

“I’m delighted to have chosen her and look forward to her involvement in the opening ceremony.”

While Raymond Liddell has been nominated by East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan in recognition of his efforts to help the Tranent community during the pandemic, including giving out free books, games, DVDs and other items.

Mr McLennan said: “Mr Liddell has been nominated for his remarkable kindness and friendship in making all manner of resources, keeping people engaged in their community and active during lockdown. His commitment to reaching people in need, giving them an informal way of getting access to books, toys and school uniforms, is an example to us all of how to care for your community.”

Rab, Ruth and Raymond will join the special opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament, attended by the Queen.