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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Ross Dunn

Centrestage founder Fiona McKenzie awarded OBE in King's Birthday Honours

Centrestage's founder has spoken of her pride after being awarded with an OBE as part of the King's Birthday Honours.

Fiona McKenzie was announced as an OBE recipient on Friday night for services to the community in East Ayrshire.

The former Grange Academy music teacher said there was still "so much to be done" but that the accolade is recognition for the hard work and commitment of so many individuals over a number of years.

Ms McKenzie said: “Having lived and worked in Kilmarnock all my adult life, I am so proud to be part of the Ayrshire community.

"There is so much still to be done but this award recognises the efforts and commitment of so many people over so many years. I am thankful to every one of them.”

Ms McKenzie set up the arts-focused social enterprise in 2006 with fellow ex Grange teacher Paul Mathieson. Mathieson left his CEO role in January 2022.

The pair formed Centrestage in a bid to help people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to benefit from active participation in the arts.

Paul McColgan was announced as the charity's new CEO in September 2022.

The social enterprise is involved with a number of community activities across Ayrshire, and is also a registered charity.

The project aims to to empower and give hope to people in the community.

Fiona McKenzie speaks with school pupils (East Ayrshire Council)

More broadly, Centrestage is best known for its musical theatre productions and varied classes in the arts for all ages of the community.

The group started out in a converted commercial unit at James Little Street before taking charge of the former Kilmarnock Academy school buildings and setting up Centrestage village there.

Stewarton man Hugh Dunlop has also been awarded an OBE for services to transport in Scotland on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Troon woman, Dr Hazel McFarlane, a development officer at the Royal National Institute of Blind People was handed an MBE for charitable services to people with sight loss.

Operations manager for PrioritEyes Ltd, Norma Baillie, from Saltcoats was awarded an MBE for services to blind and partially sighted people.

There are 1,171 people on this year's list - split almost evenly between 585 men and 586 women.

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