{"id":664255,"date":"2025-12-31T08:02:36","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T08:02:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/664255\/"},"modified":"2025-12-31T08:02:36","modified_gmt":"2025-12-31T08:02:36","slug":"queen-of-hearts-the-nen-north-edinburgh-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/664255\/","title":{"rendered":"Queen of Hearts \u2013 The NEN \u2013 North Edinburgh News"},"content":{"rendered":"

KING\u2019S NEW YEAR HONOURS 2026<\/strong> CELEBRATE COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS<\/strong><\/p>\n

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First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland\u2019s recipients of The King\u2019s New Year\u2019s Honours.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In recognition of exceptional contributions to public life, this year\u2019s awards aim to celebrate community champions.<\/p>\n

The Rt Hon Adam Ingram<\/strong> receives a knighthood for Parliamentary and Political Service. Also receiving a knighthood is Professor Simon Milne<\/strong>, Regius Keeper and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for services to Botany, Conservation and Horticulture.<\/p>\n

Professor Lorna Dawson<\/strong>, head of the Centre for Forensic Soil Science at the James Hutton Institute has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to innovations in soil and forensic science<\/p>\n

Among those receiving the CBE are Professor Susan Rigby<\/strong>, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, for services to higher education, Mr William Watt<\/strong>, chair of the Scottish National Investment Bank, for services to the Economy and Professor Jill Belch<\/strong>, Professor of Vascular Medicine at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, for services to Medicine and Public Health.<\/p>\n

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Those being awarded an OBE include Ann Budge<\/strong>, businesswoman and lately Chair and Chief Executive Officer of Heart of Midlothian Football Club, for services to sport and to the community in Midlothian, Dr Kirsty Darwent<\/strong>, Chair of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Chair of Redress Scotland for services to the people of\u00a0 Scotland and Dr James Craig<\/strong> who receives an OBE for services to Scottish Association Football and to Charity.<\/p>\n

Other recipients of the OBE include Celine Sinclair<\/strong>, Chief Executive of The Yard, for services to Children and Families, Kathleen Murray<\/strong>, for services to Children\u2019s Hearings in Scotland, John Burns<\/strong>, Chief Operating Officer at NHS Scotland and Carol Copstick,<\/strong> Head of Inspection at HM Inspectorate, Education Scotland.<\/p>\n

Those receiving MBEs include Mohammed Shaukat<\/strong>, a volunteer at Glasgow Central Mosque, for services to the community, Dr Nelson Ashmole<\/strong>, co-founder of Borders Forest Trust, for services to Nature and Evelyn Graham<\/strong>, founder member of the \u2018New Seekers\u2019 for services to the music industry.<\/p>\n

Among those honoured with the British Empire Medal are Pipe Major Raymond Peace<\/strong>, for services to music and culture in Orkney and squadron leader Stewart Norris<\/strong>, for services to young people in Aberdeenshire.<\/p>\n

Chief Constable Joanna Farrell<\/strong> and Chief Superintendent Stephen Dolan<\/strong>, both of Police Scotland and retired Assistant Chief Constable Andrew Freeburn<\/strong> receive The King\u2019s Police Medal. The King\u2019s Fire Service Medal is awarded to Firefighter Alexander Muir <\/strong>and Chief Officer Stuart Stevens<\/strong>, both of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. The King\u2019s Ambulance Service Medal is awarded to Lead Consultant Paramedic David Lee Bywater <\/strong>of the Scottish Ambulance Service.<\/p>\n

The First Minister said: \u201cThe King\u2019s New Year\u2019s Honours list recognises exceptional individuals \u2013 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cMy congratulations to our emergency services members awarded The King\u2019s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Throughout Scotland people benefit from the skills and expertise of our \u2018blue light\u2019 services personnel whose skills and expertise keep our communities and people safe, in often challenging circumstances.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese honours celebrate the best of Scotland\u2019s courageous spirit and sense of community. Congratulations and my personal thanks to every worthy recipient.\u201d<\/p>\n

Those receiving honours in Scotland include\u00a0Roland Christian Douglas Schau Engebretson, who established Macaulay College on the Isle of Lewis to address a critical gap in post-school opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Louise Gough\u00a0receives a BEM for services to Foster Care, after serving as a Foster Carer for 28 years and providing a stable and supportive environment for 63 children.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In total, 1157 recipients have been awarded this year for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus being on those who have championed their communities.<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s recipients include dedicated foster carers, role models in women\u2019s sports, committed health workers, champions of the arts, and supporters of young people.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Every part of the UK is represented in the List, from the Western Isles to Liskeard in Cornwall.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Recipients from Scotland make up 9% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: \u201cThis year\u2019s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain \u2013 people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cTheir quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you \u2013 and congratulations to everyone recognised today.\u201d<\/p>\n

Secretary of State for Scotland Douglas Alexander said:\u00a0\u201cMy warmest congratulations go to all of the Scottish recipients of His Majesty\u2019s New Year Honours. Scots the length and breadth of the country have been recognised for their contribution to politics, business, the arts, science and to their communities.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cVeteran politician Adam Ingram is Knighted for his huge contribution to our public life. Those of us of a certain vintage will welcome the perfect harmony of Eve Graham being recognised for her decades of service to the music industry. <\/p>\n

\u201cAlso recognised is Jimmy Buchan, for his tireless dedication to championing the interests of Scottish fishermen.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe list is packed with local heroes who strive every day to tackle disadvantage. I congratulate all those who work so hard day in day out to make our communities better places to live and work.\u201d<\/p>\n

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to\u00a0https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/honours<\/a>\u00a0to find out more about how you can put them forward.<\/p>\n

More notable recipients across Scotland include:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n