Local MSP John Lamont has led a debate in the Scottish Parliament on the valuable work and achievements of Rotary District 1020, which includes the Scottish Borders and East Lothian.
During the debate, John Lamont MSP and Rachael Hamilton MSP raised a number of examples of the excellent work carried out by Rotarians in the Borders and East Lothian.
Last year, District 1020 members picked up two out of 12 Rotary Champions of Change Awards, which recognise contributions to humanitarian services worldwide. Grant Stephen, of the Rotary Club of Duns, was given an award last year for his outstanding work in helping the local community become a dementia friendly town.
Robin Hamilton, of the Rotary Club of Dunbar, also received a Champions of Change award as a result of his involvement with the Kalimpong Project in Bengal India.
John and Rachael also spoke about Galashiels Rotary Club, who have delivered 15 analogue breast screening lorries to India, in partnership with Indian Rotaries and led by local Rotarians, Patricia Paterson and Peter Croan.
John Lamont MSP said: “I lodged this debate in the Scottish Parliament as an opportunity to praise the excellent work of Rotary District 1020, but to also give others the opportunity to speak about the fantastic work of other Rotary clubs across Scotland.
“I always try to do my best to support local Rotarians, which is the least elected representatives can do given the fantastic work they do. Without local Rotarians, a lot of money wouldn’t be raised, local projects wouldn’t be supported and the UK’s aid effort overseas would be much less effective.
“It was a pleasure to be able to welcome some representatives from District 1020 to the Scottish Parliament to listen to the debate.”
Speaking after the debate, Rachael Hamilton MSP said: “I was really pleased to be able to recognise some of the fantastic work of local Rotarians.
"They are men and women who come from all walks of life and whose aim is to contribute to the lives of others and to make a positive impact, at home and abroad.
“It was great to welcome some representatives from District 1020 in what is Rotary International’s 112th anniversary.”
Immediate Past District Governor, Andrew Ireland, who organised the trip, said afterwards: “It was very humbling sitting in the public gallery at Scottish Parliament to hear a cross section of MSPs from our political parties give praise and support to the work done by Rotarians from the South of Scotland.
“It filled me with great pride not only in being a member of Rotary, but also in our Scottish Parliament who despite their political differences spoke with one united voice in raising awareness of the humanitarian work done by Rotary in our local and international communities”.