Salmond Welcomes Aberdeenshire East Local Hero To Parliament Opening

First Minister and Aberdeenshire East MSP, Alex Salmond, has welcomed Aberdeenshire East's Local Hero, Dorothy Ferguson, to the opening of the Scottish Parliament to represent the constituency in the centuries-old tradition of the “Riding”.

Local Heroes, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their communities, were invited from each constituency in Scotland to represent their area at the Official Opening. Accompanied by the other Heroes, Inverurie resident Dorothy participated in the traditional parade down the Royal Mile to Holyrood to mark the occasion.

Mrs Ferguson is a founder member and musical director of the Garioch Fiddlers and was nominated for her service to music in communities across the North East.

The official opening of the new Parliamentary Session was carried out by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, and was followed by an afternoon of musical performances in the Parliament.

Speaking after the Opening, Alex Salmond MSP said:

“I was delighted to welcome Dorothy and her husband to Parliament on this very special occasion.

"I was approached by a number of constituents who nominated Dorothy for her dedication to both teaching and playing music across the region. Through her work and volunteering, Dorothy has helped to keep traditional Scottish music alive, and is promoting it to new generations with the junior members of the Garioch Fiddlers.

"It was clear that she is highly regarded by many and was more than deserving of the title 'Local Hero'.