Midlothian’s Provost Debbi McCall has said she is ‘absolutely chuffed’ after she was shortlisted for a prestigious national award for her community work.
Councillor McCall, who represents Penicuik ward, is one of five finalists for the Community Champion Award in this year’s Local Government Information Unit (LGIU) national awards.
She is the third Midlothian councillor to be represented at the awards over the last three years with council leader Kelly Parry nominated for an award in 2021 and Councillor Connor McManus winning Young Councillor of the Year in 2022.
Councillor McCall was nominated for Community Champion last year and this year is in the final with the winner announced at a ceremony in Edinburgh next month.
Councillor McCall said: “I am absolutely chuffed to be nominated and particularly proud that Midlothian is represented again in these awards for the third year running.
“As a small council we are definitely punching above our weight in these annual awards but it demonstrates our passion and commitment to our communities and the work we do.
“I didn’t become a local councillor to be provost or go on to bigger things, I did it because I can make a difference as a local councillor and represent our communities.”
Councillor McCall was one of the founding members of Penicuik Ambassadors, a team of volunteers set up during Covid to support vulnerable local residents which continues its work in the town today.
The awards ceremony will be held at the City Chambers in Edinburgh on Thursday, November 14.
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) is a public service news agency. It is funded by the BBC, provided by the local news sector (in Edinburgh that is Reach plc (the publisher behind Edinburgh Live and The Daily Record) and used by many qualifying partners. Local Democracy Reporters cover news about top-tier local authorities and other public service organisations.
