A WOMAN from Drongan has been nominated as one of Scotland’s High Street Heroes for her work delivering hot meals to those who needed them throughout the coronavirus pandemic.

Heather McEwan, founder of the Cumnock-based charity Create a Smile Scotland, was nominated for the award, which is part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign.

Heather has been an incredibly kind and active member of the community, having worked day and night to ensure those that were isolated got some comfort throughout the national lockdown, as well as plate of hot food to keep them going.

Heather said: “A huge thanks to whoever put me forward for it, it’s very humbling to know they thought I was worthy of the award.”

She says that she couldn’t have done it on her own though and was keen to praise daughter Amy, 27, and son Brian, 24 who helped her with the delivery rounds. Also coming in for praise was her home-bakers Nancy and Ann, who helped provide delicious goods for delivery.

Heather said: “You’re only as good as your team and my team was amazing, Nancy and Ann have been incredible.”

Despite delivering their last hot meal last week, having handed the reigns back over to East Ayrshire Council, Heather says they will continue to deliver baked goods to residents in order to maintain the relationship.

The interaction with the community is vital for the charity. Their mission is to reduce isolation and bring people together, but they are also dependent on members of the public for financial support, which enable them to continue with their efforts.

Heather said: “Big thanks to all the community, who have been supporting us all the way through. We couldn’t afford to keep doing this if they didn’t.”

Scotland Loves Local is a campaign that was set up to encourage Scots to think local first and support town centres and high streets to get back on their feet, in line with public health guidelines.