Local hero selected to represent Moray
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A local hero will be representing Moray at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament next month.
Debi Weir from Rothes has been selected by Richard Lochhead, Moray's MSP, for her wide-ranging community work.
First, there's her involvement with the Moray School Bank, a charity that provides school uniforms and warm winter clothing as well as coaching and counselling to families experiencing poverty.
And, on top of that, there's also the R-evolution for Good project, which promotes workplace mental health and well-being.
Mr Lochhead said: "I asked the public of Moray to nominate someone to attend the opening ceremony.
"There were so many great responses that I'd have really liked to pick lots of local heroes.
"But I could only chose one, so I decided on Debi.
"She's being doing so much good work for so many years."
Every constituency in Scotland has been asked to send a local hero to the official ceremony on October 2, which is also being attended by the Queen and Prince Charles.
Debi called it a "great honour", adding she was "really excited".
She said: "Rather than being a thing about me alone, this is really more about the teamwork of a lot of people.
"Poverty is a much larger problem in Moray than some people realise.
"There's a lot of hidden poverty – and the pandemic has only exacerbated this.
"We have a low wage economy and lots of jobs which are only part time or seasonal.
"Many families are really struggling.
"My hope is that being selected will help to highlight these issues locally."
The Moray School Bank has helped 349 families this year – the most ever – and the final figure will be more than 400.
Debi's teenage daughter is also well-known for her community work.
As well as helping her mum run the school bank, Hannah Weir set up No Worries in Moray, a charity which organises days out for youngsters.
Last year the teenager was praised by Nicola Strugeon after she won the Community Award at the Young Scot Awards.
