Praised for\u00a0maintaining\u00a0and widening global partnerships with environmental organisations across the\u00a0world, he\u00a0has also led a major seven-year capital project to restore the Garden\u2019s iconic Palm Houses.\u00a0<\/p>\n
On receiving news of his knighthood, he said: \u201cIt is an immense honour to be appointed a Knight Bachelor, the second in 355 years for this truly remarkable organisation.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cMy interest in plants dates to the 1970s when, as a child, I helped propagate seeds brought back by my uncle from fieldwork in\u00a0the Far East\u00a0and volunteered on a local nature reserve. On reflection, these early experiences inspired my lifelong curiosity in nature and commitment to conservation.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cReceiving this award as I prepare to retire from such an extraordinary community is deeply meaningful. Our science, horticulture, conservation,\u00a0education\u00a0and engagement teams play a vital role in responding to the global biodiversity crisis, backed by an exceptional group of other specialist staff and volunteers whose work often goes unseen.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cLeading so many talented and committed people over my career has been a huge privilege, and I thank them all for their loyalty, support, and dedication.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n Also recognised in the honours was Ann Budge, the former chair and current honorary president of Heart of Midlothian<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n The\u00a077-year-old was the sole director of a consortium that helped take Hearts out of administration in 2014, with the Gorgie club\u00a0finding some\u00a0stablity\u00a0under her leadership.\u00a0<\/p>\n While she stepped down from her duties in the summer, Hearts have since made a historic start to their season, becoming the first non-Old Firm club to lead the Premiership table at Christmas <\/a>since\u00a01993.\u00a0<\/p>\n Speaking about the honour, Budge said; \u201cThis is an incredibly proud moment, not just for myself but for my family too, because their support across the years allowed me to focus on doing the\u00a0very best\u00a0job that I could for Heart of Midlothian Football Club.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAlthough sport has been such a big part of my life over the past decade, so too has community. Transforming Hearts\u2019 relationship with the local community, and driving it forward, has been a passion of mine. To therefore be recognised for services to\u00a0both sport and community is\u00a0a very rewarding\u00a0feeling.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n \n\tRelated\n<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/2048px-Palm_House_Royal_Botanic_Garden_Edinburgh.jpeg\"\/)
<\/a>Edinburgh\u2019s Botanic Gardens have drawn visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n