PRESENTER Jackie Bird and former footballer Alan Hansen are among Scots to be awarded in this year’s New Year Honours list.
Some of the highest honours awarded to Scots in this year’s New Year include the head of MI5, Ken McCallum, who has been knighted for his public service, and artist Barbara Rae who has been made a dame for her services to art.
Athlete Sammi Kinghorn and swimmer Duncan Scott have both received an OBE, with football manager David Moyes and William Wright, former chair of Haemophilia Scotland, also receiving the award.
Retired chief officer for Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Ross Haggart, has received a CBE for his services to fire and rescue and charities along with Michelle Macleod for services to criminal justice and law enforcement and Laura McIver formerly chief pharmacist at Healthcare Improvement Scotland for services to the pharmacy profession.
The First Minister John Swinney has congratulated those who have been named in this year’s list as he said the awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s “courageous spirit” and “sense of community”.
He said: “The King’s New Year’s Honours list recognises exceptional individuals – from unsung heroes to well-known names. Each recipient is worthy of their award and has made a significant difference to their community or excelled in their field.
“My congratulations to our emergency services members awarded The King’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Throughout Scotland people benefit from the skills and expertise of our ‘blue light’ services personnel whose skills and expertise keep our communities and people safe, in often challenging circumstances.
“These honours celebrate the best of Scotland’s courageous spirit and sense of community. Congratulations and my personal thanks to every worthy recipient.”
Broadcaster Bird, who was the face of BBC Scotland News for three decades, is being recognised for her services to broadcasting and charities.
The 62-year-old has been presenting BBC Scotland’s Children in Need show for years and has been the president of the National Trust for Scotland since 2019.
“I’m thrilled,” she told the PA news agency, “absolutely surprised and thrilled.
“My first thought was, ‘I can take my mum and dad to Buckingham Palace’.”
MBEs have been awarded to cyclists Finlay Graham and Jenny Holl, archer Nathan MacQueen (below), swimmer Stephen Clegg and boccia player Stephen McGuire.
David Rickman from the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, St Andrews, and Jennifer Craw of Opportunity North East were also awarded MBEs.
Professor Alex McMahon, who is the retired chief nursing officer for Scotland, has been awarded a CBE.
BEMs have been awarded to Dr Anne McArthur for services to Scottish Country Dancing and the community in Portsoy, Banffshire, Pipe Major Christopher Armstrong from Glasgow, and Lanark Amateur Swimming Club head coach Karen Kelly.
Other BEM recipients are Stephen Mallen founder of the Zero Suicide Alliance, Crieff, community volunteer Andrew Nisbet for services to the community in Yell, Shetland and Maureen Morris, a board member for Easterhouse Citizens' Advice Bureau.
Retired superintendent Shaheen Baber and Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs received the King’s Police Medal.
Meanwhile, the King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to retired deputy assistant chief officer Bruce Farquharson and Station Commander Karla Stevenson.
The King’s Ambulance Service Medal is awarded to the Regional Director for East Region Kenny Freeburn.
