Colin's Hailed Hero of the Month

Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteer Colin Mackie has been crowned Clean Up Scotland's Hero of the Month.

Colin, originally from Oatlands and now living in Bridgeton, received the prestigious accolade in recognition of his commitment to transforming Glasgow's Southern Necropolis.

The award is part of the national Clean Up Scotland campaign, organised by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

A leading member of the Friends of Southern Necropolis and the Southern Necropolis Action Group, Colin, and his wife Elsie have worked with a team of volunteers to deliver a significant transformation at the cemetery, turning it into an education, historical and ecological hotspot for the city.

A Glasgow City Council Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteer, Colin has helped lead the group in activities including regular litter picks and community clean ups etc, - turning the Southern Necropolis into an acclaimed community project and a cleaner, safer and more welcoming place to visit.

Colin now runs an educational project with local schools to enable pupils to learn about the heritage of the cemetery.

On receiving the award Colin said: "I have been passionate about the history and heritage of the Southern Necropolis for nearly 30 years and also value the importance of caring for the environment throughout the cemetery.

"We have an onsite Heritage Trail that continues to attract an increase in visitors, and as such, it is even more important to maintain a level of cleanliness around the pathways and rows of headstones.

"Recently we have been promoting our Resurrecting History Project and involving local primary schools by sharing the history and heritage of the cemetery, raising the children's awareness of valuing and respecting the environment of the Southern Necropolis. The last session with the schools includes a Heritage Walk and Litter Pick, when we are joined by a member of Community Safety Glasgow on a walk around the perimeter of the three sections of the cemetery.

"As a member of a team of dedicated volunteers, I am grateful for everyone's help and also the support from our partnership organisations, and would also like to thank Keep Scotland Beautiful for this award."

The Clean Up Scotland Hero award is supported by Helping Hand Environmental. UK Sales Manager Carly Cooper presented Colin with his own Clean Up kit - including a special Scottish litter picker and handy hoop.

Yusuf Faisal, Senior Neighbourhood Involvement and Enforcement Officer at Community Safety Glasgow nominated Colin for the award.

Yusuf said: "Colin has been inspirational and has shown ongoing dedication in keeping Glasgow Southern Necropolis Cemetery clean and free from litter. The Southern Necropolis Action Group carries out a regular community clean up every Sunday and with this kind of support the Neighbourhood Improvement Volunteers are continuing to make Glasgow an even better place to live, work and play."

Yusuf joined Heather McLaughlin, Community Projects Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful to present Colin with the award. An image of the presentation can be accessed here.

Heather said: "We are delighted to present Colin with this award. His drive and commitment has helped to lead the group to deliver a tremendous transformation of this wonderful outdoor space.

"I would like to commend both Colin and all of the local volunteers for their success in improving this outdoor space for local residents and delivering significant local environmental improvements."

The Clean Up Scotland campaign encourages everyone to get involved by visiting www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/cleanupscotland to find out how you can help with the campaign's ambition to make Scotland the cleanest country in Europe.