King and Queen, First Minister and MSP thank Loanhead Post Office owner for amazing community work

• Special recognition for Loanhead Post Office and invitation to opening of Scottish Parliament
• Brothers Asif & Aadil Bashir go above and beyond for their town
• Colin Beattie MSP nominated Asif for a Local Hero Award for spearheading food bank, confidential support groups & business networking initiatives
• HRH King Charles & HRH Queen Camilla thank Asif in person
• First Minister John Swinney praises the community initiatives
• 25^th anniversary of running their Midlothian Post Office

Two community-minded brothers, Asif and Aadil Bashir who have run Loanhead Post Office for 25 years this week, were invited to the official opening of Scottish Parliament.

Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North, nominated Asif for a Local Hero Award for spearheading many community initiatives. Award recipients came from across Scotland with HRH King Charles & HRH Queen Camilla in attendance.

Asif has come up with many ways to benefit the people of Loanhead, including collecting for a local a food bank, backing a confidential support group for men (which also inspired him to launch a women’s group), and hosting local business networking events, all of which make him a worthy recipient.

Asif was invited to the special occasion, held at Holyrood, along with his brother. However, Aadil, who is Loanhead Postmaster, selflessly offered to keep the Post Office and shop open as it also coincided with the town’s biggest community event – Gala Day. Instead, Asif went with a good friend, Usman Ayub.

Colin Beattie MSP said: “I was delighted to be joined by Asif at the official opening of the Scottish Parliament as the Local Hero for Midlothian North. Our community is fortunate to have selfless individuals such as Asif whose impactful work at Loanhead Post Office goes beyond the services you may expect. Whether it is organising collections for local foodbanks, providing free hot drinks and snacks during the winter months, championing a women’s support group, or helping residents find the support they need, Asif has shown what community spirit truly looks like.”

Importantly this week also marks the 25^thanniversary of Aadil and Asif taking on the Post Office and convenience store at The Loan, Loanhead, on 1 July 2001. They have been at the heart of their community ever since.

The brothers, who grew up in Loanhead, always enjoy being part of Gala Day. This year they decorated their branch with balloons and a crown balloon, in Gala Day colours.

On Saturday, Asif excitedly revealed on their Post Office’s social media: “It’s time to reveal the big surprise. I have been nominated for Local Hero award for Midlothian, and I will be officially meeting His Majesty the King and Queen today at the Scottish Parliament. I would like to thank Colin Beattie MSP for nominating me for this amazing award. This award isn't just for me but for each and every one of you who helped and supported us in all our community projects. Thank you all once again and we hope you all have an amazing day at the gala day.

“I am very excited. This is very big for us at Loanhead Post Office. I am just a small-town boy from Loanhead. To be meeting the King and Queen is such a big honour. With it being Gala Day today it is a double celebration for the town.”

It was an all-day event at the Scottish Parliament, and the Local Hero recipients all had a chance for a royal meeting. The King and Queen spoke to people with real interest.

Asif was also delighted to meet First Minister John Swinney at the opening of the Scottish Parliament, who already was aware of his various community projects from Colin Beattie.

The brothers have a donation point in their shop for grocery donations and started a food bank initiative through their mosque where on the first Sunday of every month that people who need support collect donated food items. This has now been expanded to include clothing and children’s items to recycle items in good condition.

Asif and Aadil also support Andy Men’s Club which helps men with their mental health. This is making a big difference to people’s lives as many men don’t talk about their struggles therefore can’t get the help they need.

That’s where the idea came to open a ladies-only support group as there was nothing available in the area for people subjected to domestic violence or rape. They helped set up a drop-in session with trained people listening and supporting.

They also give financial assistance to Women’s Aid regularly. Recently they raised over £1500 in week with the help of the community.

Asif and Aadil also support the local community dinners which is available for everyone to come and enjoy a hot meal every Sunday at Bonnyrigg Mosque.

Very recently, Asif also started a local business networking event, which attracted 100 people to the first event, and then 127 to the second one held in June. This allows businesspeople to support one another and to share problems and initiative that have worked well.

Another new project, just underway is for school leavers with mock interviews and recruitment advice to help young people to find work, apprenticeship opportunities, or courses to boost their prospects.

Craig Black, Post Office Head of Independent Partnerships said: “This Local Hero Award is truly well deserved. Asif and Aadil do a great job running Loanhead Post Office and shop, but they do so much more besides. They work tirelessly for their community because they really care about their customers and people who may be struggling and need support. What a great way for the brothers to mark their silver anniversary of running their business than to receive the acknowledgement of the King, Queen, First Minister and their MSP for their great-work helping so many different groups.”