Well known Arbroath resident, Harry Simpson has been nominated as a Local Hero by Angus South MSP Graeme Dey.
In May all 129 MSPs were invited to nominate a constituent who makes a positive difference to the lives of others – often with little recognition – as their Local Hero.
The Local Heroes will attend a special commemorative event to mark the 25th anniversary of The Scottish Parliament, taking place in the Debating Chamber at Holyrood this Saturday September 28.
Harry Simpson, the retired former boatbuilder, will be familiar to many as the owner of Mackay’s boat builders in Arbroath, where he started at 15 before running the business for 30 years. He was also a retained fireman in the town for several decades.
Outside of this, Harry has been involved in many local good causes. He is a former President of the Rotary Club of Arbroath, helping the organisation to directly assist people in need, including through the local foodbank. The Rotary also ensures the town looks its best by tending to many local and community gardens.
He was Dean of Arbroath Guildry, who support many local charities, before going on to be Lord President Dean of Guilds for Scotland.
Additionally Harry chaired the Arbroath 2020 group, which set up and ran the Arbroath 2020+1 festival, exploring the history and culture of Arbroath. The festival aimed to bring people together to celebrate the town, its past, and look to its future.
More recently he has been involved with the Arbroath Courthouse Project, which aims to bring new community facilities for the benefit of people in the town.
As the Scottish Parliament prepares to mark its 25th anniversary, it is right that the people of Scotland are placed at the heart of the major commemorative event.
GRAEME
Together with my fellow MSPs, I want to celebrate the achievements of our Local Heroes from across every constituency and region in Scotland.
Harry Simpson’s work is truly inspirational – he absolutely fits the bill to be our Local Hero – and I will be proud to see Harry celebrated at this event, for all he has done and continues to do for the people of Arbroath.
