Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross hailed Ms Stanning’s “amazing” career as he submitted a Holyrood motion asking that the Scottish Government recognise her accomplishments.
Mr Ross, who is also a Moray councillor, was invited to a local celebration of the rower’s most recent Olympic success in September.
Along with other council and community leaders, he looked on with pride as the 200-year-old Covesea lighthouse was bathed in gold in her honour.
Mr Ross said her retirement was understandable – given the enormous dedication required to compete at Olympic level and the “considerable sacrifices” that come with that lifestyle.
He said: “Whilst some may be surprised by her decision to retire at the peak of her sporting career, that success does come with a cost.
“The dedication and commitment required to reach the top and to stay there means a considerable sacrifice of time, time which is taken away from career and other interests.
“Everyone in Moray is rightly proud of Ms Stanning and her amazing achievements, she is a great inspiration – and has been a first class ambassador for Moray as she travelled the globe.
“We all wish her continued success as she develops her career, and our thanks for bringing gold back to Moray twice.”
