Arbroath Skatepark campaigner awarded at Scottish Parliament

Jillian Low of the Arbroath Skatepark Project was presented with the Fields in Trust Community Champion award for 2015 at a Scottish Parliament reception.

Jillian decided to take action when her teenage son, a skater, had nowhere safe to practise his sport.

She brought together local wheeled sports enthusiasts and led a campaign that secured funding and land in order to build a dedicated facility.

Jillian said “I am very grateful to Angus Council who nominated me for this award.

“The Arbroath Skatepark has been a shared project. The success is testament to our community. I do believe that with enough drive determination and staying power anyone can make a real difference in their local community”.

The Parliamentary reception at Holyrood celebrated the 90th Anniversary of Fields in Trust.

Founded by King George V in 1925 as the National Playing Fields Association, Fields in Trust is the only UK-wide organisation working to safeguard and improve recreational green spaces.

The group’s chief executive Helen Griffiths said: “If all parts of the country had champions such as Jillian our outdoor spaces would be better protected and always there to be enjoyed by everyone.”