A SECURITY guard who dived into a loch to rescue a man in the water is among those shortlisted for a top award.

 

John Mackay, who works at Lomond Shores, waded into Loch Lomond to pull out a man floating on the water and then gave vital first aid to resuscitate him before medics arrived.

John, who has been working at Lomond Shores for three years, was alerted by a young woman who was with her daughter and spotted a man in trouble near the waters edge.

The 34-year-old, who has previously been commended by Police Scotland for "extreme bravery", is among those in the running for an award from the Provost of West Dunbartonshire.

He said he "didn't think twice" about what he did.

Others on the list include Clydebank painter Tom McKendrick, Daniel McCormick, of Clydebank, who helped set up a youth arts hub and musician Ailie Anderson, of Dumbarton.

Those shortlisted for the community category that John is in include Pamela McMartin, of Dumbarton, who runs a disabled children's forum that takes children on trips and Mary Burch, of Dumbarton, who has volunteered with the Boys Brigade and armed forces charity SAAFA.

Provost Douglas McAllister sifted through nearly 100 nominations. He said the amount "backed up my view that West Dunbartonshire is a strong community with some really remarkable individuals and groups."

The winners will be announced on April 24 at Clydebank town hall.