The owners of Loanhead Post Office and convenience store have marked 25 years serving their community after one of the brothers was invited to the official opening of the Scottish Parliament as a Local Hero in recognition of his extensive community work.
Asif Bashir, who runs the business alongside his brother Aadil, attended the event at Holyrood after being nominated by Colin Beattie, MSP for Midlothian North. Local Hero award recipients from across Scotland attended the ceremony, where they had the opportunity to meet King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
The invitation coincided with another milestone for the brothers, who this week celebrated the 25th anniversary of taking over the Post Office and convenience store on The Loan in Loanhead on 1 July 2001.
While Asif attended the parliamentary event with family friend Usman Ayub, Aadil, the branch's postmaster, remained at the business to ensure both the Post Office and convenience store stayed open during Loanhead's annual Gala Day celebrations.
Beattie praised Asif's contribution to the local community.
"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," he said.
"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."
Asif Bashir in Loanhead Post Office to celebrate the town's Gala Day.Photo: Post Office
The brothers have developed a range of initiatives from their business, including a permanent grocery donation point supporting a local food bank through their mosque, which has since expanded to include clothing and children's items for families in need.
They also support men's mental health charity Andy's Man Club, helped establish a women-only support group for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence, regularly raise funds for Women's Aid, and back weekly community dinners at Bonnyrigg Mosque.
More recently, they launched a local business networking group, attracting more than 100 attendees to its first two events, and have begun a project offering mock interviews and recruitment advice to school leavers seeking employment or apprenticeships.
Ahead of the parliamentary event, Asif shared his excitement on the branch's social media, thanking Beattie for the nomination and the local community for supporting the various initiatives.
"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," he said.
L-R: Asif Bashir, first minister John Swinney, Asif’s guest Usman Ayub and Colin Beatie MSPPhoto: Post Office
During the day, Asif also met first minister John Swinney, who was already aware of the brothers' community projects through Beattie.
Craig Black, head of independent partnerships at the Post Office, said the recognition was a fitting way to mark the brothers' silver anniversary in business.
"Asif and Aadil do a great job running Loanhead Post Office and shop, but they do so much more besides," he said.
"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."