widget/exchange-29
widget/exchange-30widget/exchange-33
widget/exchange-31

Community / Dogs Against Drugs manager ‘humbled’ to be picked as local hero

DOGS Against Drugs project manager Michael Coutts has been named as Shetland’s latest ‘local hero’.

He has been invited to attend a 25th anniversary event for the Scottish Parliament in late September which will welcome ‘local heroes’ from across Scotland.

Dogs Against Drugs project manager Michael Coutts with now retired dog Thor. Photo: Police Scotland

Dogs Against Drugs is a local charity set up in 2002 to prevent the movement of illegal drugs into Shetland.

In recent years the charity has struggled to find funding to cover core costs despite the dogs helping to detect over a million pounds of illegal drugs.

Coutts, who is also involved in the dog handling, said: “I am genuinely humbled – it’s very good of folk to vote for me.

“If it can do some good for the charity then I’m delighted to accept it.”

offset-carousel/post-mobile/0

The search for Shetland’s local hero was led by local MSP Beatrice Wishart, with nominations submitted by the public.

She said: “Michael is a great advocate for Dogs Against Drugs and although he works for the charity what is not so widely recognised is that he also puts in a huge amount of hours voluntarily.

“Dogs Against Drugs plays an important role in keeping illicit drugs out of Shetland as well as running an education programme aimed at young people about the harm from illegal drugs.

“Michael’s trip to Holyrood will be a chance to thank him for his tireless work and to show him and the charity the wide public support in Shetland for its work.”

Back in 2021 care worker and fundraiser Anita Georgeson was picked as Shetland’s last ‘local hero’, attending the formal opening of the sixth session of the Scottish Parliament.

Become a member of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider paying for membership to get additional features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a member of Shetland News by either making a single payment, or setting up a monthly, quarterly or yearly subscription.

 
widget/pd_widget-6widget/pd_widget-7widget/exchange-53widget/exchange-54widget/pd_widget-8widget/exchange-55widget/pd_widget-9widget/exchange-56

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Have you considered becoming a member of Shetland News?

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please consider paying for membership and get the following features and services: -

  • Remove non-local ads;
  • Bookmark posts to read later;
  • Exclusive curated weekly newsletter;
  • Hide membership messages;
  • Comments open for discussion.