Moray MP Douglas Ross has “warmly congratulated” Elgin Street Pastors on their tenth anniversary of supporting people in the area.
Douglas joined the pastors on Saturday evening as they held a celebration and commissioning service to mark the occasion.
The street pastors patrol the streets in Elgin town centre every Saturday evening from 10pm until 4am offering support in a number of ways, such as giving out bottles of water or flip flops to those whose feet have become sore.
They also help those who have been separated from their friends by staying with them and helping to find their friends, or getting them on hand safely.
Douglas also presented the street pastors with a framed copy of a motion he has submitted in the Scottish Parliament, recognising their decade of supporting those on nights out in Elgin.
He says he was “delighted” to congratulate the pastors on their success and believes their presence has made people in Elgin on nights out feel less vulnerable and anxious.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate Elgin’s Street Pastors on their tenth anniversary of supporting people on nights out in the town.
“They carry out a power of work to help those who have enjoyed nights out - from providing bottles of water, to supporting those who have been separated from their friends - the presence of street pastors has made many feel much less anxious and vulnerable at the end of their night.
“That is why I was delighted to submit a motion highlighting their work in the Scottish Parliament and present them with a framed copy of it to celebrate their decade’s work in Elgin. I was pleased to see that the motion quickly received cross-party support from MSPs across Scotland.
“It was a pleasure to join the group for their celebration on Saturday evening, not just recognising everything they have done for the last ten years, but also welcoming the new Street Pastors who were commissioned during the event.
“I applaud all those pastors who volunteer tirelessly to support our community and wish them continued success in the future.”