A well-known community activist and worker from Prestonpans, with a long track record of making a positive difference to the lives of others, has been nominated as a Local Hero by Martin Whitfield MSP.

Ruth Davie works at the Pennypit Community Development Trust in Prestonpans. She is a Community Nutritionist who manages the charity’s food project, Fundamental Foods. Born and bred in Prestonpans, Ruth has a vast knowledge of the community and believes food connects us all.

She is closely involved in various local food projects including the PSG and Fa’side lunch clubs, VCEL community pantry, Pennypit pantry, Fa’side Community Kitchen and East Lothian Friendly Food Network.

In July, 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.

Local Heroes nominated by MSPs will contribute to the Scottish Parliament’s Opening Ceremony events to mark the start of the new parliamentary session on Saturday 2 October.

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“As the Sixth Session of the Scottish Parliament gets underway, it’s right that the people of Scotland are placed at the heart of our events. Together with my fellow MSPs, we want to celebrate the achievements of our Local Heroes from across every constituency and region in Scotland.

“It’s never an easy task to choose one individual in this way, so picking Ruth was a very personal decision for me. I have known and worked with her since I first moved to East Lothian. Throughout that time, she has been a wonderfully passionate and committed supporter of her community and local people.

“Her dedication to helping and supporting others has been even more evident during the pandemic and lockdown with her work in both PSG and Fa’side making a significant contribution to efforts to combat food poverty. I’m delighted to have chosen her and look forward to her involvement in the opening ceremony in October.”

Commenting on her nomination as a Local Hero, Ruth Davie said:

“I’m delighted that Martin has asked me to be his nominee for the Parliament’s opening ceremony. Involving local people from across Scotland in the official opening is a great idea and it will be a real honour to be part of it.

“However, I’m very conscious of the fact that all of the Fundamental Foods activity I’m involved in is very much a team effort and that the same can be said for all of the community response to Covid across East Lothian over the last 18 months.

“Therefore, while I’m proud to have been asked to participate I will do so as a representative of everyone who has worked so hard for their communities and neighbours during this pandemic.”