Philip Kerr
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Describe the kind of work the individual has done in the community.
Philip has been a dedicated and long-standing member of Southdean Community Council, championing rural voices with unwavering commitment. For many years, he has worked tirelessly to ensure that local needs are represented in decisions made by large-scale developers and national agencies.
Despite personal challenges, including a battle with serious illness, he has remained a steady and determined presence, volunteering countless hours to attend meetings, scrutinise planning proposals, and liaise directly with organisations such as Gresham Forestry to improve access to local paths and green spaces.
His advocacy work in relation to wind farm developments is particularly notable. Representing not only Southdean but often several neighbouring Community Councils, he consistently holds directors of wind farm management companies to account, pushing for transparency, fairness, and long-term community benefit.
In recent years, his passion for improving rural life has extended into energy efficiency. He has actively pursued solutions to improve local EPC ratings, including retrofitting schemes that support residents in upgrading their homes—especially important in remote and economically vulnerable areas.
His efforts are wide-reaching, from planning to sustainability, always driven by the belief that rural communities deserve a seat at the table. He is a trusted voice, a bridge between grassroots concerns and corporate or governmental decision-makers.
Through resilience, generosity, and deep-rooted care for his community, Philip really exemplifies the spirit of the My Place Community Champion Award.
What impact has this person had on the local community
Behind the scenes, he has given up hundreds—if not thousands—of voluntary hours. He attends meetings, writes reports, sits on multiple boards, and does the kind of diligent follow-up work that few see, but all benefit from. His tenacity has brought together multiple Community Councils to form a stronger voice, especially in discussions with wind farm management companies.
His recent work on improving EPC ratings through retrofitting schemes demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to energy justice and sustainability, aiming to reduce fuel poverty in rural homes—something that will impact generations to come.
Beyond the practical changes, perhaps his greatest impact is cultural: he reminds people in this small, scattered population that they matter. That their concerns are valid, and that change is possible when someone is willing to do the work.
Why should this person win a Scottish Civic Trust My Place Community Champion Award?
Because he never asked for recognition, but he absolutely deserves it. Philip represents everything this award stands for: quiet dedication, community-first thinking, and the kind of hard work that rarely makes headlines but changes lives. For years, he has put his time, energy, and health into protecting, improving, and advocating for his local area, often on behalf of those who feel powerless to speak for themselves.
He stands up to powerful agencies not for glory, but because it’s the right thing to do. He bridges the gap between rural communities and decision-makers, giving voice to places that are often overlooked. His impact spans everything from walking paths to wind farm negotiations, energy efficiency to land access, and he does it all without fanfare, without ego, and without ever giving up, even when facing his own battles with ill health.
In a world where too many people shout loudly and do little, he does the opposite. He works quietly, relentlessly, and with a deep sense of care. That’s exactly the kind of champion we need more of, and exactly why he should win.