KEYWORKER Brian Land will be known to many in North Glasgow with locals describing him as a ‘pillar of the community’.

He was nominated for his hard work in his native Possilpark and elsewhere in North Glasgow during the coronavirus pandemic.

Brian, 43, who is dad to Shannon, 14 and Scott, 20, is employed as Community Connector and works hard to help some of the city’s most vulnerable in Possilpark and Ruchill.

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He also the chairman of the Westercommons football team who don't ask kids for fees in a bid to get them off the streets and involved in football.

The Glasgow Times received many nominations for the father-of-two and each of the people behind them reveals why he deserves to be called a hero.

Partner Kelly McGinlay said: “He is the heart of our community in Possilpark and since the lockdown has worked tirelessly to give food to our vulnerable.

“He has the biggest heart and will go to great lengths to help anyone in need.

“He is our hero and asks for nothing in return.”

Former schoolfriend Michelle McGinlay described Brian as a pillar of the community.

She said: “He has gone above and beyond during lockdown. He has helped give out food parcels.

“He is absolutely a pillar in the community, he is well-known.”

She added: “We are so grateful for everything he is doing in the community. I have known him for years and he is absolutely the most genuine and honest person you will ever meet in your life. He is a great guy.

“He puts his own needs aside for everyone else, he deserves a nomination. I can’t commend him enough.”

Brian works alongside Ann Lawrance, who is also featured in this special supplement, at Young Peoples Futures.

Ann explained that Brian has worked tirelessly in the community - and it is not just because of the coronavirus pandemic.

She said: “He is a local boy who has lived in the community his whole life.

“He is a committee member of Young Peoples Futures and helped to establish the group in 2002.

“At the moment, he works in the community and his role is to connect people together. “

She added: “During the lockdown, he has been on the ground supporting as many projects as he possibly can.

“He will come here one day a week then he is in Springburn helping on another day then he is in Milton helping on another day.

“He hosts Zoom meetings with different projects offering a service at the moment to bring everyone together and to ensure we are sharing resources and supporting each other.

“He is an amazing guy who is very keen to help as much as possible across every community.”

Other nominators had nothing but kind words to share about Brian.

Maryann McCafferty said: “Brian works hard for his community all year round.

“He is always there to listen and make changes for the community.

“He is an amazing person and nothing is too much for him.”

READ MORE: Glasgow hero is the anchor of her Possilpark community

Glasgow Times:

His role as Community Connector is backed by NG Homes and Glasgow City Council.

A NG Homes spokeswoman said: "Brian is well known in the Possilpark and Ruchill community where he operates and he is dedicated to supporting the community, often going the extra mile.”

Bailie Jacqueline McLaren, chairwoman of Thriving Places, who employ Community Connectors, added: “Community workers do a smashing job day in day out and it’s wonderful to hear how appreciative local residents are, especially during these difficult times.

"Keeping people connected and community spirit alive has never been so important. Well done!”