Cathy Jamieson MSP in the running for a prestigious charity award

Nov 13 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

AN AYRSHIRE MSP is up for a top charity award.

Cathy Jamieson is in the running for a Dods Charity Champion gong.

She was nominated for the prestigious award by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

Ms Jamieson has worked tirelessly with the trust for years.

And they have expressed their thanks to her by putting her forward for the communities champion title.

Cathy is one of the first MSPs ever to be shortlisted for such an award.

Up until now, only MPs were eligible. But this year Dods, the parliamentary publishers have accepted nominations from devolved parliaments.

Pauline Douglas, operations manager for the Coalfields Regeneration Trust in Scotland, said: "I know from personal experience what a fantastic job Cathy does.

"Her constituency includes a lot of former mining communities like Cumnock and Drongan.

"She is hugely supportive of everything we do, and works tirelessly for all the communities in her area.

"I am delighted that she has made the shortlist and I hope she goes on to win the award. She certainly deserves it."

For 7 years the Dods charity champion awards have portrayed a positive side to politics, acknowledging the significant difference politicians make to charitable causes through campaigning, legislation support and devoting their time and expertise.

Previous award winners include Gordon Brown and David Cameron.

The Coalfields Regeneration Trust is an independent grant-making organisation that was established in 1999 to improve the quality of life in Britain's coalfield communities.

The aim of the Trust is to make coalfields sustainable, prosperous, viable and cohesive without support.

Ms Jamieson is unavailable to comment on her nomination as she is currently in the middle of a charity trek through the Himalayas.