Tayside residents recognised in the Queen's birthday honours list
People from across the region have been awarded MBE's and BEM's
People from across Tayside have been recognised in the Queen's birthday honours list.
Many residents have been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) and been anointed a Member of the British Empire (MBE).
Of those recognised is Perthshire's 24-year-old curling star Mili Smith. She's been awarded an MBE for services to curling following her gold medal with Team GB's all-Scottish squad at the Beijing Olympics.
Receiving MBE's alongside Mili Smith are Dr. Peter Wright, Dr Elaine Campbell (known as Mcnaughton), Julie Young, Barry Klaassen and Isobel Falconer.
Dr Peter Wright, Leader of the Ecology and Conservation Group at Marine Scotland Science has been recognised for services to science. The 60-year-old from Forfar has spent over 30 years mentoring young scientists and his work is responsible for many safeguards that protect Scotland’s marine environment.
Dr Elaine Campbell, lately Senior Partner at Carnoustie Medical Group, has been recognised for services to General Practice and GP Training in Scotland. The 64-year-old is extremely productive in GP training and promotion of General Practice as a career. The Carnoustie resident recently retired after 35 years at her local practice and 40 years in the NHS.
Julie Young, a founding owner, artistic director, choreographer and dance teacher is being recognised for services to Dance and to Young People in Perth. The Perthshire resident created a highly successful dance school where she introduced students to a variety of dance disciplines.
Barry Klaassen, Team Leader, Scotland Emergency Medicine - Malawi Project and Chief Medical Adviser at the British Red Cross is being recognised for services to Overseas Healthcare. The 62-year-old from Wester Ballindean has saved hundreds of lives and has established systems and procedures which have helped to save thousands more.
The final MBE recipient from Tayside is Isobel Falconer, Reader of Mathematics at the University of St Andrews School of Mathematics and Statistics. She's being recognised for services to the History of Mathematics and Science. The 67-year-old has worked extensively to develop and modernise the university's MacTutor History of Mathematics archive alongside working extensively to tackle systemic injustices in the field by showcasing the contributions of traditionally marginalised mathematicians, primarily women and black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) individuals.
Alongside MBE recipients, Tayside also has it's fair share of residents being awarded BEM's.
One of those is James McFarlane Hunter. He's a coach and president of Perth Strathtay Harriers and he's being recognised for services to Inclusion in Sport. The 60-year-old has been coaching for over 40 years and has encouraged and enabled frame runners, wheel-chair users and able-bodied athletes to all use the track at the same time.
77-year-old Georgina Ogilvie is also receiving a BEM for voluntary service to Veterans. The Arbroath resident is the Chair of the Royal British Legion Scotland's Arbroath Branch Women's Section. She joined the branch in 1976 with her main focus on providing support and well-being to members in need, especially the elderly.
Another BEM recipient is Perth's Joan Blue. The 89-year-old is being recognised for services to Education and to Music in Perthshire. She's considered one of the finest Scottish fiddle pianists in recent memory and has formed multiple organisations. She helped set up the Perth Accordion and Fiddle Club in 1970 becoming secretary and was a founding member of the National Association of Accordion and Fiddle Clubs. Alongside that, she became head’s secretary at Kilgraston School where she formed the Kilgraston Scottish Fiddle Group.
The final BEM recipient is Kinross resident Glenys Andrews. The president of Perthshire Open Studios is being recognised for services to the Arts in Perthshire. The 76-year-old is considered a civic stalwart of the arts scene. She has delivered a flawless and growing ‘open studios’ event each year in an unpaid capacity.