Honours Handed Out At Holyrood Ahead Of Garden Party

The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh will welcome thousands of guests to their annual garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse today.

About 8,000 invited guests typically attend the event in Edinburgh which takes place during royal week, a traditional period during which the monarch carries out engagements in Scotland.

Earlier in the day, the Queen will give out honours to Scots named in recent honours lists at an investiture ceremony at the palace.

Among those expected to attend to receive their awards is Commonwealth Games gold medallist Euan Burton (pictured) who has been made an MBE for services to judo.

The athlete, from Edinburgh, who was chosen to be Scotland's flagbearer at the Games, claimed gold for his country in the under-100kg division - one of the highlights in a strong series of early performances from Scotland's judo team.

Anne McGuire MP and Sue Bruce, chief executive of Edinburgh City Council, will receive damehoods.

Ms McGuire, the MP for Stirling since 1997, was made a Dame for Parliamentary and political services while Ms Bruce receives the honour for her services to local government.

She played a key role in September's independence referendum, holding the post of depute chief counting officer.

Gordon Matheson, leader of Glasgow City Council, receives a CBE for services to local government and the community.

Faith Liddell, director of Festivals Edinburgh, collects an OBE for services to the arts.