Community heroes will take centre stage at Holyrood’s opening ceremony as a new parliamentary term gets underway.

The event takes place in October, following the Scottish elections held in May, with all 129 MSPs asked to nominate one of their own constituents who has made a positive impact on the lives of other people during the Covid pandemic.

Tom Arthur, who represents Renfrewshire South for the SNP, faces the difficult task of narrowing his choice down to just one nominee from his sprawling constituency, which covers an area from Johnstone to Barrhead.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said the 129 community heroes who are handed a special role in Holyrood’s big day will be given a warm welcome.

She added: “As parliamentarians we have all heard directly of the difficult circumstances that many people in our communities have faced because of this pandemic but, alongside this, we have heard so many uplifting stories of people and communities coming together to protect those most vulnerable.

“As we begin this new session of Parliament, we are filled with renewed purpose, hope and determination to make things better.

“Therefore, it is fitting that we can use this occasion to tell the story of those who have provided that optimism for others.

“As we seek to recover and rebuild, I am proud the Parliament can play its part in honouring those who have made such a positive difference.”