Schoolboy Kyle's got true grit
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AN inspirational young hero has been rewarded with a personalised gritting trolley in recognition of his valiant snow and ice clearing efforts within his community.
At the first forecast of wintry weather, Kyle Mackay is on standby to head to the gritting bin at Kiltarlity village hall with his wheelbarrow or pedal tractor. The eight-year-old then spends hours helping to spread the grit and clear the pavements.
His efforts have been recognised by Kiltarlity Community Events which joined forces with William Gray Construction and MacGregor Industrial Supplies to present him with his own gritting trolley and personalised high-visibility jacket.
Kyle, who attends North Kessock Primary School, was surprised but delighted by the presentation at Macgregor’s Forest and Groundcare base in Harbour Road, Inverness on Monday.
He said: "I grit to make sure no-one slips. It is really nice when people thank me."
His mother Allana, of Balgate Mill, said Kyle enjoyed helping with the snow clearing efforts.
"He checks the weather forecast on my phone all the time to see what it is going to be like," she said.
"He loves being outdoors and is into tractors and trailers. He is happy as long as he has a job to do.
"One day he was out for six hours around the village. He is hardy – nothing fazes him. He is out there come hail, rain or snow. It is nice for him to get a bit of recognition."
Kyle accompanies Willie Matheson, chairman of Kiltarlity Community Events, in clearing the pavements around the village.
"It is very encouraging to see a youngster willing to come out and help – and to set a good example," Mr Matheson said.
"Hopefully, it will inspire other people to take part in the winter resilience programme to clear snow and ice from the pavements. We have very few volunteers."
