South Uist woman, Gemma Steele, has been nominated as a local hero for her tireless charitable work helping children in Kenya.
Isles MSP, Alasdair Allan, selected her as the Western Isles' local hero who makes a positive difference to the lives of others.
She will join other nominations from across Scotland for Saturday's official opening of the Scottish Parliament.
Ms Steele, from Lochboisdale, was just a teenager when she travelled to Kenya to volunteer at an orphanage.
When the orphanage had to close down, Gemma raised funds to build a new one and eventually founded the St Jerome’s Orphanage.
Alasdair Allan commented:“As the fifth session of the Scottish Parliament gets underway, it’s right that the people of Scotland are placed at the heart of our events.
“Gemma is clearly an exceptional individual and her work has been a true inspiration to others. She has shown incredible dedication to helping transform the lives of young people in Kenya by founding an orphanage.
"I think Gemma epitomises the warm, outward looking, charitable character of these isles and I look forward to seeing her take part in the opening of parliament.”
Western Isles local hero heads for Scottish Parliament ceremony
30 June 2016