King's Birthday Honours include more than one hundred Scots
Scots who have contributed to their communities and country are celebrated in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List 2025 which has just been published.
There are 1,215 recipients in total who have been awarded for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus this year on those who have given their time to public service and 110 of those are from Scotland.
This year's recipients include community champions, role models in sport, pioneers in the arts, passionate health workers, and supporters of young people. Recipients from Scotland make up 9% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year.
Among notable names on the list,(although widely reported ahead of time) footballer David Beckham receives a knighthood for services to Sport and to Charity. Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP has received an MBE for political and public service. The Labour MSP is the first permanent wheelchair user elected to The Scottish Parliament. And author and Scottish historian, Alistair Moffat, becomes MBE.
Sir Antony Gormley who sculpted the six figures which appear in the Water of Leith receives the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Anne Glover who was the the first ever Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland receives a Damehood.
Roger Daltrey, CBE, of The Who, receives a knighthood
From Edinburgh the honorees include Shirley Jamieson, the former 'lollipop lady' in Juniper Green, and Frank Donoghue who ran the City Chambers for forty years. Others who received an honour include:
Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, OBE, FRSE, Chief Scientific Adviser to The Scottish Government, who receives a CBE for services to science.
Professor Gabriele Clarissa Hegerl, FRS, FRSE, Professor of Climate System Science, University of Edinburgh, a CBE for services to Climate Science
Professor Rowland Raymond Kao, Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Edinburgh, a CBE for services to Mathematics and Infectious Disease Dynamics
Yvonne Cecelia Elizabeth Leavy (Yvonne Sibson) Lead Epilepsy Nurse, NHS Lothian, an OBE for services to Epilepsy Nursing
Catherine Anne Macdonald (Kiki Macdonald) Co-Founder and Trustee, Euan 's Guide, an OBE for services to People with Disabilities.
Dr Alastair John MacGilchrist, Chair, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, an OBE for services to Medicine and Public Health.
John Grant Macrae an OBE for Charitable Services in Scotland.
Duncan Andrew Moss, Technical Relationship Consultant, Ordnance Survey, an OBE for services to Technical Consultancy and to Government Resilience
Major (Rtd) Charles Matthew Pelling, Manager, Lady Haig Poppy Factory, PoppyScotland, an OBE for services to Veterans.
Alexander James Samuel Stewart. Senior Statistician, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government, an OBE for services to Scottish Economic Statistics
David Dewar Storrar, Senior Statistician, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government, an OBE for services to Scottish Economic Statistics
Karen Valerie Watt Lately Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Funding Council, an OBE for Public Service
Anthea Margaret Donaghue, Lately Chair, Pregnancy Counselling and Care Scotland, an MBE for services to Pregnancy Support in Edinburgh
Malcolm John Kirby, Volunteer, Red Dot Radio, an MBE for services to Hospitals in Edinburgh
Professor Donna-Jean Corrigan O'Boyle, Professional Adviser to the Chief Nursing Officer's Directorate, Scottish Government, an MBE for services to Improving Patient Safety
Melvyn Westley Roffe, Lately School Principal, George Watson's College, Edinburgh, an MBE for services to Education and to the community in Edinburgh
Lesley Stephen, Patient Advocate, Make 2nds Count, an MBE for services to People with Secondary Breast Cancer and to Cancer Research
Bridget Mary Stevens, Pioneer, Audio Description, Edinburgh an MBE for services to the Arts
The following are Medallists of the Order of the British Empire
Alan Borthwick, Artistic Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society for services to Music
Frank Donoghue, Lately Locality Hub Team Leader, City of Edinburgh Council for Public Service in Edinburgh
Thomas Douglas, Veterans Community Support Manager, Royal British Legion Scotland. For services to Veterans in Scotland
Shirley Jamieson, Lately School Crossing Patrol Person, City of Edinburgh. For services to the Safety of Pedestrians in Juniper Green.
David Liston Lyle, Musical Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music
Margaret McPhillips Manson Founder, Edinburgh Technician Network. For services to the Provision of Sciences in Education in Edinburgh
The First Minister said: 'My congratulations and thanks to The King's Birthday Honours recipients who have each made outstanding contributions to community and public life in Scotland.
'The recipients of The King's Police, Fire or Ambulance Service Medals demonstrate lives dedicated to keeping others safe and supporting communities. I sincerely thank them for their service and commitment.'
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country.
'From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.'
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said: 'I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list, particularly John and Linda Norgrove on their well-deserved OBEs for their extraordinary humanitarian work in Afghanistan through the Linda Norgrove Foundation. Their dedication to improving the lives of Afghan women and girls, born from personal tragedy, exemplifies the very best of Scottish compassion and resolve.
'Communities across Scotland benefit from the extraordinary effort of those honoured. From Dr Richa Sinha Chair of the Scottish Hindu society and their work to tackle Hinduphobia, to Zahrah Mahmood Chair of the Rambling Society to Heather Hall founding The Usual Place in Dumfries.
'I would also like to extend special recognition to Scotland Office's own Moira Vance on receiving her MBE. Moira's unwavering commitment to public service has been instrumental in the work of our department for 44 years, and this honour reflects her exceptional contribution to the people of Scotland.
'The Honours list showcases the remarkable achievements of individuals across Scotland who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields. Their service to our communities represents the spirit of dedication and excellence that makes Scotland proud.'
Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray MP on the terrace at Queen Elizabeth House Picture Alan Simpson
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