Condorrat man John at Parly opening

John, who has spent years working with the Condorrat Tenants and Residents Association in an effort to improve the community, was invited to form part of what is known as ‘The Riding’, where he will join other local heroes from every constituency in Scotland, when the parliament opens for its fourth session on July 1.

Ex-tradesman John was nominated for the role by MSP for Cumbernauld and Kilsyth, Jamie Hepburn for his work in the community.

Jamie said: “I’m delighted that John Burke has agreed to take part in the Scottish Parliament riding as a local hero from Cumbernauld and Kilsyth. John’s well known for his years of dedicated service championing issues affecting his home village of Condorrat and beyond.”

John was happy to have received the invitation and accepted it in typically humble fashion.

He said before his big day: “I’m really looking forward to the day and was very happy to accept the nomination from Jamie.

“It’s very nice to be nominated for something like this.”