The founder of a bike recycling community enterprise was given an introduction to the Queen at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament thanks to Brian Whittle MSP.
The South Scotland MSP was asked by officials to nominate a “Local Hero” to attend the opening of Holyrood following the election earlier this year. Brian chose Alan Vass, who runs Cycle Station in Newmilns.
Cycle Station is a not for profit community enterprise which refurbishes and sells unwanted bikes at a substantial discount. Since starting from a small space in the basement of Kilmarnock Station, it has grown quickly and now operates from a larger space in Newmilns. Alan has worked with local community groups to deliver bike maintenance training to many of the area’s young people as well as supporting individuals to achieve recognised qualifications in bike maintenance and develop employability skills.
Alan kept Cycle Station open throughout the pandemic, providing free bike checks and minor repairs for key workers and operating a loan scheme to key workers who didn’t have a bike.
Alongside 128 other local heroes, one nominated by each MSP, Alan joined The Queen and The Duke & Duchess of Rothesay at Holyrood for the official opening of Holyrood’s sixth session.
Brian Whittle MSP said: “Nominating a single local hero was really difficult for me. In my time as an MSP I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredibly hard working, passionate people who are dedicated to helping other people and their community.
Cycle Station was one of the first visits I made as an MSP and I’ve been amazed how much it’s grown in the years since. From that very first visit, Alan’s energy and determination to make the project succeed was on show. So much so that before I left he’d managed to sell me a bike!
I want to thank Alan and the many other people across the region who work so hard to support their communities.
Throughout this term in Holyrood I want to keep celebrating the successes of people like Alan and give community groups, charities and social enterprises, the recognition they deserve.”
Alan Vass, Director of CycleStation said: “It’s an absolute privilege to be nominated as a local hero, Brian has been a great advocate of the project since its inception and continues to offer his support to our ambitions and development.
Small Social Enterprises and Community based organisations rely on the support of people like Brian not only to survive but also to grow and thrive.
I wish to thank Brian for this nomination and look forward to selling him another bike during his next visit!”
Photo (L-R): Alan Vass, Brian Whittle MSP, Derek Beaton (Workshop Manager)
