Community / Anita’s ‘amazing day’ as local hero meets Queen at parliament
A CARE worker and fundraiser picked as Shetland’s ‘local hero’ says meeting the Queen and Prince Charles at the Scottish Parliament was a “cherished memory to last me a lifetime”.
Anita Georgeson travelled to Edinburgh on the invitation of Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart to mark the formal opening of the sixth session of the parliament on Saturday (2 October).
Other local heroes from across Scotland were also invited to attend.
Not only did they get a chance to visit the parliament, but they were able to briefly mingle with the Queen and Prince Charles who attended the event.
Anita, who works at Edward Thomason and Taing House in Lerwick and has raised thousands for charity in recent years, said it was the “most amazing day”.
“It was such an honour to have been chosen amongst so many lovely folk in Shetland,” she told Shetland News.
“Plus never in a million years would I have thought I’d get the chance to have met both her majesty the Queen and Charles.”
Wishart said it was an “enjoyable ceremony, one of celebration with music and performances reflecting today’s diverse Scotland, while highlighting the heart of the Scottish Parliament and a reminder, if needed, that we are here to serve the people of Scotland”.
“Covid-19 has meant that events and tours on the Scottish Parliament campus have not allowed groups to see democracy at work,” the MSP added.
“I look forward to when we are able to do that again.
“While previous opening sessions of the Scottish Parliament allowed MSPs to invite a local person to the ceremony, it was particularly special this time.
“Anita and many other unsung local heroes have ‘gone the extra mile’ during the pandemic, and kept others’ spirits up during the height of Covid-19. This was a small way to acknowledge their dedication, and to say ‘thank you’.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.