Education and charity workers among Scots to make New Year Honours List
Education and charity workers are among some of the Scots to be recognised in Her Majesty's New Year Honours list.
The 2021 awards celebrate a number of achievements, including contribution to the COVID-19 response.
Jamie Kinlochan from Paisley has been given a BEM for helping some of the most vulnerable during the pandemic.
The 35-year-old set up a helpline through Who Cares? Scotland.
"Because lockdown measures were so strict, contact with people's family and friends were suddenly taken away, and many didn't know who they could go to," he said.
"We recognised that the measures that were coming about as result would mean particular vulnerabilities for young adults who had been left out of sea, with very little support."
Other people to be recognised include 61-year-old nursery manager Jacqueline Bell from Dumfries and Galloway, who has received an MBE.
Over the last decade she's raised over £53,000 through her annual Pink Day event, which supports Breast Cancer Scotland.
She said: "I heard about the MBE two weeks ago. "I was very, very surprised and very humbled to receive such an honour.
"I started my career in childcare as a nanny in London. "I then moved back home, got married, had children and became a childminder.
"I then got my dream come true ten years ago when we managed to open a nursery."
Commenting on Her Majesty’s New Year Honours list, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “The Honours list demonstrates the wealth of talent and commitment in Scotland’s science, education, sport and public life.
"We should all be proud of our country’s outstanding achievements in these fields. Her Majesty has also recognised the dedication, compassion and kindness of so many ordinary people up and down the UK.
As we all know too well, 2020 has been a year like no other. So many Scots have gone above and beyond in supporting friends, neighbours and their wider community during the pandemic.
These are not people who seek the limelight, so I’m very glad that so many of those local heroes have been recognised by Her Majesty.
“My heartfelt congratulations go to the many Scots who have been honoured by Her Majesty.”