West coast Scots among names in New Year Honours list
Academics, emergency workers, artists and many more people from across the west of Scotland have been included in the New Year Honours list for their services to the country.
Academics, emergency workers, artists and many more people from across the west of Scotland have been included in the New Year Honours list for their services to local communities.
Figures from the worlds of sport, art and education will receive a range of titles ranging from MBE to Knight Grand Cross.
There are also names from local communities in the west of Scotland who’ve been recognised for their service and hard work.
Professor to receive highest honour of Knight Grand Cross
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, of the University of Strathclyde, has been appointed Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list, for services to engineering, education and energy.
It is the most senior rank of the Order of the British Empire, with fewer than 115 appointed in the last 60 years and only 27 in the 21st century.
Sir Jim said: "I am deeply honoured to have been recognised by His Majesty in this way.
"It is a huge privilege to be principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde and to hold the presidency of the Royal Academy of Engineering, one of the UK's national academies.
"The discipline of engineering - particularly in the field of energy - and the institution of Strathclyde are both very close to my heart and to receive such recognition for my work in these areas is incredibly humbling.
"I lead a fantastic team at Strathclyde and this award also recognises the help I've received from a huge number of people who have contributed to my personal development, professional opportunities and career over many years in academia, industry and public service.
"Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of my wife Eileen and that of my children, family and friends."
Other academics include Gavin Halbert from Glasgow who is to receive an OBE and Professors Roma Maguire and Yvonne Perrie have been made MBEs.
Alex McLeish
Former Rangers manager and Scotland player Alex McLeish has said he is "hugely honoured and humbled" to be recognised in the New Year Honours list.
The ex-footballer, who is involved with organisations including Crohn's and Colitis UK and the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice Glasgow, is made an OBE for services to charity.
Robert Fyfe, honorary president of Runway Theatre Company, receives a Medal of the Order of the British Empire for services to the arts and to the community in Glasgow.
Mr Fyfe, who lives in Glasgow, retired this year after 40 years with Runway Theatre Company, 27 of them as chairman and director.
Service to the arts
Originally called the Glasgow Airport Drama Club, the amateur dramatics company, now based in Giffnock, East Renfrewshire, has been running for more than 50 years and performs traditional pantomimes and "rare, new and lesser known musicals".
Mr Fyfe said: "I am honoured to receive this award for my involvement in amateur theatre, particularly with Runway Theatre Company.
"It has been a joy over the years to combine my passion for the arts while helping to raise funds for causes close to my heart.
Emergency workers and everyday heroes
Heroes in the emergency services have also been recognised in the New Year Honours list for their acts of bravery and dedication to the Scottish public.
Police Scotland Superintendent Faroque Hussain, retired chief superintendent Carol McGuire and Police Constable Stephanie Rose all receive the King's Police Medal.
Detective Constable Jodie McFarlane receives the British Empire Medal for services to children and families in Ayrshire, and for her work with the charity Night Before Christmas Campaign.
However some people have recognised for their outstanding service to their community over a long time period.
79-year-old butcher Elizabeth Craig Ovens from Skelmorlie, North Ayrshire is to receive and MBE after working in Weymms Bay’s famous McCaskies Butcher since she was a teenager and running it as owner for the past 25 years.
She is being given the MBE for her services to retail and the local economy.
Since taking over as co-owner and director 25 years ago, Elizabeth has transformed it into th UK’s most awarded butcher, which was named UK Butcher Shop of the Year in May 2023. At the age of 79, she works 50 hours a week and also supports local and national charities, especially The Ardgowan Hospice and Cystic Fibrosis.