Councillor shortlisted for award

A North Lanarkshire councillor has been shortlisted for a local government award.

Education convener Frank Mcnally is among the finalists at the fourth annual Scottish councillors’ awards run by the Local Government Information Unit (LGIU).

He is one of three councillors to be shortlisted in the “champion for education” category at the ceremony, which will be held tonight at Glasgow city chambers and streamed online.

Councillor Mcnally said: “I’m very flattered if not a bit surprised – but it’s a team effort and there’s a fantastic team here in North Lanarkshire who go above and beyond and work hard to support young people and families.

“We’ve been driving forward fairly innovative practice in attainment, committing to replace the school estate, advances in early years and in tackling poverty, and ambitious plans to address some of the most challenging issues facing people in communities.

“They’re on the ground delivering innovative practice in schools and communities, with projects like [holiday food initiative] Club 365 and delivering 1140 hours for nursery youngsters ahead of schedule; this is recognition of all their efforts in ensuring North Lanarkshire is taking really bold and ambitious steps.”

The awards “celebrate the vital contributions of councillors that so often go unrecognised”; and are described as “a hugely important way to champion what councillors do for their communities”. Almost 100 nominations were received, with 27 councillors shortlisted across six categories.

LGIU chief executive Jonathan Carrwest said: “This shortlist showcases the best of local government, and the last year has reminded us of the effort and lengths to which councillors go to support their citizens.”