Moray MP Douglas Ross has handed over a cheque for £821.45 to local charity, Keirans Legacy.
Douglas, who is now also an MSP for the Highlands & Islands (which includes Moray), pledged only to accept one salary if elected to Holyrood while still serving as MP for Moray. He will donate his monthly wage from the Scottish Parliament to local charities and Keirans Legacy was the first to benefit from the cash.
Douglas said: “Keirans Legacy is a charity established in the memory of a young man who was taken far too soon in tragic circumstances. However, the brave efforts of his mum and dad, and everyone involved in the charity, have ensured that his legacy is now saving lives. I’m really pleased to be able to support their efforts by donating my first months’ salary since being elected to the Scottish Parliament.
“Sandra and Gordon have worked tirelessly to raise funds for the charity in recent years, but with the pandemic it has understandably been more difficult. Given the vital lifesaving equipment the charity provides, I know this donation will help them make a difference and save lives.
“I will be donating my MSP salary every month to a local charity, and I look forward to making further donations in Moray in the months ahead.”
Commenting after receiving the cheque from Douglas today, Keiran’s mum, Sandra Mckandie of Keiran’s Legacy said:
"We’re really grateful to Douglas for thinking of Keirans Legacy to benefit from his first month’s salary.
“Raising money throughout this past year has been difficult with the Covid restrictions and is likely to be challenging for some time yet, so we are really delighted to receive Douglas’s support.
“The money will help Keirans Legacy purchase more defibrillators, deliver CPR training, and improve the mental health of others through providing recreational activities for ages, all of these aims will continue to save lives in Keirans name and continue his passion for life.”