A fleet of new ‘mini’ pavement gritters have been named in honour of key workers and community heroes from across south west Scotland, after being nominated by members of their community. These gritters are operated by Amey, the company responsible for managing and maintaining the south-west trunk road network, on behalf of Transport Scotland. 

From a fleet of 15 mini-gritters, the first seven successful community champions are being revealed today as part of the annual Random Acts of Kindness Day: https://www.randomactsofkindness.org/ 

The gritter names were chosen as part of a public appeal, which ran between 23rd December 2020 and January 15th 2021. Over 500 nominations were received for Key Workers, Community Champions and Volunteers who have made a real difference to their communities during the 2020/2021 Covid-19 pandemic. 

Among those nominated are Lochside Community Association, whose volunteers have been delivering critical services in Dumfries and Galloway by ensuring all households have access to free, good quality and nutritious food and meeting other needs of their community. 

Another key worker who is being honoured is Zoe Samuels-Lyons who has continued to work throughout the pandemic, despite suffering from fibromyalgia, and has been an inspiration to her son. 

Nuala Burke, a key worker who regularly travels on the M74 has continued to work through the lockdown while pregnant and also caring for her own family. 

These individuals and groups represent only a few of the key workers being recognised for their dedication, sacrifice and hard work during these difficult times. 

Recognised COVID-19 Heroes to date: 

1. Nuala Burke | Street Gritter servicing East Kilbride

2. Zoe Samuels-Lyons | Street Gritter servicing Springholm, Crocketford, and Locharbriggs

3. Lochside Community Association | Street Gritter servicing Sanquhar, Carronbridge, Thornhill, and Lincluden 

4. Meghan Miller | Street Gritter servicing Minishant, Maybole, and Kirkoswald

5. Allan Burton | Street Gritter servicing Dumbarton

6. Lorraine Dougan | Street Gritter servicing Mauchline, New Cumnock, and Kirkconnel 

7. Isa Thompson | Street Gritter servicing Cairnryan and Stranraer

8. John Patterson | Street Gritter servicing Girvan