A WALLYFORD stalwart’s “dedication” to the local community has been highlighted in a motion to the Scottish Parliament.

Alister Hadden recently retired from Wallyford Community Council after 25 years’ service.

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North and Musselburgh, asked the Scottish Parliament to congratulate Mr Hadden, former chairman of the community council, on his retirement.

The motion said that Mr Hadden had helped to “champion” many local issues and organise several community events over the years. They included initiatives to mark Wallyford’s mining history.

The motion added that the Scottish Parliament acknowledged that Mr Hadden remained active in many other community groups including the Pinkie Cleugh Battlefield and Tapestry Group, and Musselburgh Museum and Heritage Group.

Mr Hadden was nominated as the Midlothian North and Musselburgh constituency’s local hero in the Scottish Parliament in 2021 for his service to the community and “for making a positive difference to the lives of others”.

The Scottish Parliament was asked to commend his “dedication and enthusiasm which serves as an example to us all”; thank him for all his work over the years, and wish him well in his retirement from the community council.

Mr Beattie told the Courier: “It was a delight to submit this motion to the Scottish Parliament for all my fellow MSPs to support.

“Alister deserves this recognition for his hard work and dedication.”