Recycling fit for a Queen

The manager of HomeAid West Lothian has been given an MBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to recycling in Scotland.

Jackie Agnew, who has been HomeAid's manager for over 10 years, received the royal honour in recognition of her work running one of Scotland's most successful community reuse organisations. A Trustee of the Community Recycling Network for Scotland (CRNS), Agnew was previously a volunteer for the Social Services furniture project for 11 years.

On receiving the award, Agnew commented: "It's a great honour to get this and be recognised, and proves the sector gets recognised for what we do. Hopefully it will make an impact on the local council as well, and get them to recognise our environmental side as well as our social purpose."

Based in Bathgate, the organisation supplies reused furniture to disadvantaged people throughout the West Lothian area. Though the venture remains a key scheme for community involvement, this time recognition focused on the 400 tonnes of furniture the project diverts from landfill every year.

CRNS Chairperson, Matt Lewis added: " "This is a great honour for Jackie. One which she certainly deserves. She has transformed HomeAid West Lothian into one of Scotland's best community-based recycling projects and in doing so has inspired others. She has also ensured that her project has remained firmly part of the community, employing local people, offering volunteering opportunities and training."