AN inspirational schoolgirl and a tireless community volunteer have been chosen as 'Local Heroes' to attend this Saturday's royal opening of the Scottish Parliament.

Isleagh Shaw, 11, was chosen by local MSP Jackie Baillie, while Graham Barr from Cove was selected by new West of Scotland MSP Maurice Corry.

Isleagh and Graham will both take part in the 21st-century version of the historic Riding procession down the Royal Mile to Holyrood.

Islelagh suffers from chronic kidney disease and has raised hundreds of pounds for Kidney Kids Scotland and given talks to her classmates at Aitkenbar Primary in Dumbarton.

Ms Baillie said: “Islelagh is an inspiration to everyone who meets her and she is truly deserving.

“I received a number of very strong nominations for local people who go the extra mile in our communities but I could only choose one person to walk down the Royal Mile.

“Islelagh’s strength of character and passion for helping others through her charity fundraising is incredible for a girl of her age and I am absolutely delighted that she will represent this area as our local hero.”

The Dumbarton MSP also selected Michelle McDonald, a youth worker from Helensburgh, as the runner-up in recognition of her work helping young people and families in the Lomond North area.

Michelle, a youth work manager at Route 81, will be Ms Baillie's second guest in the Holyrood chamber on Saturday afternoon as the Queen officially opens the fifth session of the Parliament.

Michelle was nominated by a local parent who was impressed by her enthusiasm and dedication to running services for young people.

Graham, meanwhile, was chosen because of his volunteer work for a range of community groups and events, including Rosneath Highland Gathering, Cove and Kilcreggan Community Council, and the New Year Swim, Winter Festival and Summer Festival in Helensburgh.

“I honestly thought I was getting the wind-up,” Graham told the Advertiser this week.

“But it's nice to get recognition and to see that somebody thinks you deserve something to acknowledge what you do for the community.”

Graham's community council colleague and fellow Cove resident Linda Shanks said: “I have always classed Graham as the village 'knight in shining armour'.

“His ability to get anything done is just amazing at times. He is a person who does very good things in life and makes day to day things so much easier for others.

“I can rely on Graham 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and he is one of the few that would drop whatever he is done, no matter where he is, and be there to help or advise.”