October 2021 – St Margaret’s School, Edinburgh FP Association

On October 2nd, 2021, the Queen addressed MSPs as she formally opened the new session of the Scottish Parliament. Linda Williams (née Miller), former St. Margaret’s School pupil and shopkeeper from Edinburgh who raised money for her local community during the Covid-19 pandemic is one of the “local heroes” who attended the opening ceremony and met the Queen.

Chosen by the Presiding Officer, Linda Williams set up a coronavirus hardship fund at the Premier Broadway Convenience Store in Oxgangs that raised more than £10,000 to help hundreds of locals pay for essentials such as utility bills and food.

Linda said: “I am very happy to have been nominated, although I certainly wasn’t looking for any thanks or recognition.

“It has been such a hard 18 months for everyone, and I think we played a small part in making life a bit easier for our customers and neighbours by setting up a free same-day delivery service and starting a hardship fund to help those who slipped through the cracks of the financial help that was available.Our community rose to the occasion magnificently; people were incredibly generous with their donations, and the whole experience became a shining light of hope during a hard time.”

Linda Williams of Broadway Convenience Store is the Presiding Officer’s ‘local hero’ , chosen to attend the formal opening of the Scottish Parliament (Scottish Parliament/PA)

Linda Williams of Broadway Convenience Store is the Presiding Officer’s ‘local hero’ , chosen to attend the formal opening of the Scottish Parliament (Scottish Parliament/PA).

Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone added: “Our local heroes initiative is all about celebrating people from across Scotland for their contributions to their communities throughout the pandemic and beyond. The many actions and achievements of those nominated are truly inspiring. So many of our local heroes have put others before themselves, for the good of others. I am proud the Scottish Parliament will recognise people like Linda and that our local heroes will play a part in our 2021 opening ceremony.”