A COWDENBEATH volunteer has been rubbing shoulders with royalty after being named as a local hero at the Scottish Parliament.
Alex Haddow and wife Moira were invited to Holyrood for the event which helped mark the parliament's 25th anniversary after being nominated for the accolade by Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley.
A driving force behind a mass of activity, Alex has been involved in Cowdenbeath Civic Week, the community council, the YMCA football and youth work, Cowdenbeath Colts football, the Lochgelly drop in café, and the CACA Junior Youth Club which has received widespread recognition for its work with young people for nearly 50 years.
He also organises the remembrance parade in Cowdenbeath for the fallen and is now the area organiser for the Poppy Scotland appeal.
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"It is a privilege being the organiser for the youth club and doing things like I have done over the years like organising the gala and being on the community council," he said.
"I have got a group of people who I work with and they are the real heroes because they make me look good."
Alex was one of 80 local heroes to meet King Charles or Queen Camilla during the event last weekend.
"It was Camilla who came to us and we were introduced," he said. "She asked me what I was nominated for and I said I do a lot of voluntary work but it was mainly because of the youth club which has been going for 49 years.
"The King was about six feet away from me and he looked the picture of health. He was really talkative and so was Camilla. They spoke to every person for about three to four minutes."
Speaking after the event, Mr Rowley paid tribute to the Cowdenbeath stalwart.
“Alex Haddow has given a lifetime to helping others and working to build community organisations that enrich our communities and provide services that enhance people’s lives," he said.
"He is a reluctant hero who, when approached about this recognition, pointed to all the other people that have given up their time to make local organisations in the Cowdenbeath area such a success.
“I believe the work he does with many other volunteers to support young people across the Cowdenbeath area is quite outstanding.
"Alex rightly points to all the other people who volunteer to make this happen, but it is his drive and enthusiasm and skills that sits behind such success.
"I thank Alex and all the people who never seek recognition but just give their time to help others."
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