Latest news with #Aberdeenshire
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Ojabo 'ready' for crunch NFL season with Baltimore
"Man, it is everything." Nigerian/Scottish linebacker David Ojabo is well aware of the importance of the forthcoming National Football League season as he enters the final year of his contract with Baltimore 25-year-old, who was born in Port Harcourt but grew up in Aberdeenshire, was selected by Ravens in the second round of the 2022 NFL Ojabo has been left playing catch-up after "devastating injuries" - to his Achilles then his knee - restricted him to just five appearances in his first two 6ft 5in powerhouse featured in 13 games last term and is under no illusions about how big a year this is as he looks to really make his mark at the M&T Bank Stadium. "First two years were definitely not what I expected or wanted, or anybody wanted," Ojabo told BBC Scotland. "But I had a full season last year and I'm very grateful, my first off-season healthy, ready to put that in the past and keep pushing forward."It all stems from the work I have put in, all the adversity I have been through, all leading up to right now, looking forward and I just got to go and put it out there."I got some devastating injuries, I had my first full off season healthy, took advantage of it, now I am ready to go and try to win it all. That is the goal for the team."Ojabo only took up American Football eight years were very much investing in his huge potential when they recruited him from the University of Michigan, where he had starred for their Wolverines he is hoping to shine within a squad bristling with quality and produce a much anticipated breakout season."Don't worry about me, man, I will go out there and put my best foot forward and see what happens," he said."Anybody that comes to the NFL, you should feel blessed. The percentages say that you are not going to make it in, so if you are in, whether drafted or undrafted, it is a blessing, so that is how I feel - just blessed to be here."At the end of the day, if you look back as a child, the goal is to go professional. I am a professional, so don't lose sight of the dream. I am living my dream right now."It is perhaps unsurprising there has been plenty of discussion among fans and observers about Ojabo's long-term future."I am not on the media like that, so they don't decide what happens in the building - the people upstairs do," he added. "I don't pay much attention to that - I just listen to the coaches."
STV News
6 days ago
- STV News
Manhunt launched after two Aberdeenshire shops broken into and cash stolen
An investigation has been launched after two Aberdeenshire shops were broken into on Saturday, and a four-figure sum of cash was stolen. The first incident occurred on Aberchirder's Main Street at around 12.20am; less than two hours later a shop on Insch's Commerce Street was broken into. A sum of cash was stolen from both of the shops. Detectives believe three men dressed in dark clothing were in the area at the time, as was a silver BMW 3 series, which they may have been using. An investigation is ongoing. Detective Sergeant Richard Cooper said: 'Enquiries we have carried out so far suggest that both break-ins may be linked. 'I am appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious, including any vehicles nearby to get in touch. 'Please check any private CCTV or dash-cam that you might have for information that could help with our investigation.' Those with information are urged to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 0117 of Saturday, June 14, 2025, or make a call anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
The Herald Scotland
13-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
King's Birthday Honours List 2025: Scottish list in full
More than 110 people from Scotland have been named in the King's Birthday Honours list for 2025. It means Scots make up 9% of all recipients this year and it includes politicians, community champions, volunteers and much more. Greggs CEO Roisin Currie, who grew up in Glasgow before moving south of the border to begin her career, has been awarded a CBE. Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy has been given an MBE for political and public service, while Nationwide boss Debbie Crosbie has been made a Dame for services to the public sector. She is the only woman to lead a big six bank in the UK and said: "I try to encourage people to think beyond 'I'm a female', but when it comes to this (honour) I am actually hugely proud. "I grew up in Glasgow, I wasn't different to any of my peer group, so to be given the opportunity to lead... I've had a massively rewarding career. Read More "As a woman, I hope that sends a message of opportunity and hope, not just to young people." Other noticeable recipients in Scotland include an MBE for Zahrah Mahmood, MEBs for Duncan, Caroline and Jenna Speirs who founded Calum's Cabin and historian Alistair Moffat. Here is the full list of Scottish recipients. Aberdeen ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Marjory Clark D'Arcy. For services to Older People and to the community in Grampian. (Aberdeen, Aberdeen) - James Glennie. Volunteer. For services to the Gordon Highlanders Museum and to the Royal British Legion. (Aberdeen, Aberdeen) - Frank Thomson. Musician, Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. For services to Music and Culture. (Aberdeen , Aberdeen) Aberdeenshire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Captain Alistair Young MacKenzie. Chair, Port of Aberdeen. For services to the Maritime Sector and to Charity. (Aberdeen , Aberdeenshire) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Sandra Alexandria Euphemia Galbraith. Volunteer. For services to the community in the Mearns. (Inverbervie, Aberdeenshire) - Keith Jensen. Paramedic, Scottish Ambulance Service. For services to Healthcare and to Charity. (Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire) Angus ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Gillian Howie. Fundraiser. For services to the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund and to Charity. (Arbroath, Angus) Argyll and Bute ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Fiona Campbell. Chief Executive, Association of Scotland 's Self-Caterers. For services to Scottish Tourism. (Arrochar, Argyll and Bute) - David Cameron Mitchell. Executive Headmaster, Dunoon Grammar School, Argyll and Bute. For services to Education. (Dunoon, Argyll and Bute) - Brian James Swinbanks. Lately Director, Tobermory Harbour Association. For services to the Isle of Mull. (Isle of Mull, Argyll and Bute) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Kirsty Montgomery Buchanan. Foster Carer. For services to Young People in Argyll and Bute. (Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute) - Roderick David Buchanan. Foster Carer and lately Pipe Sergeant, Mid Argyll Pipe Band. For services to Young People in Argyll and Bute and to Piping. (Lochgilphead, Argyll and Bute) - Caroline Jane Speirs. Co-Founder, Calum's Cabin. For services to Charitable Fundraising. (Isle of Bute, Argyll and Bute) - Duncan Speirs. Co-Founder, Calum's Cabin. For services to Charitable Fundraising. (Isle of Bute , Argyll and Bute) - Jenna Catherine Helen Speirs. Co-Founder, Calum's Cabin. For services to Charitable Fundraising. (Isle of Bute, Argyll and Bute) Ayrshire and Arran ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Margaret Moir Wells Bryan (Margarette Bryan). Retail Consultant. For services to the Retail Sector in Scotland. (Ayr, Ayrshire and Arran) - Anne Cadman. Administrator, ScotSTAR, Scottish Ambulance Service. For services to Healthcare in Remote and Rural Areas. (Dalry, Ayrshire and Arran) - Paula Mary Daly. Mission Area Officer for Southwest Scotland, Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen. For services to Fishermen and their Families. (Kilmarnock, Ayrshire and Arran) Banffshire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Elaine Margaret Clarke. Chair, Speyside Youth. For services to Young People in Speyside. (Dufftown, Banffshire) - Pauline June Patrick (Polly Patrick). Advocacy Service Manager, Advocacy Northeast Ltd. For services to People Requiring Independent Advocacy in Aberdeenshire. (Keith, Banffshire) Berwickshire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Linda Elizabeth Gray. For services to the community in Chirnside. (Duns, Berwickshire) Caithness ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Charles MacLeod. Training Officer, Assynt Mountain Rescue Team. For Voluntary Service in Scotland. (Caithness, Caithness) Clackmannanshire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Paul Anthony Robertson. Senior VAT Manager, Scottish Government. For Public Service. (Alloa, Clackmannanshire) Dumfries and Galloway ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Karen Wylie. Founder, Grub Club. For services to Ending Hunger in the community in Lochside. (Dumfries, Dumfries and Galloway) Dunbartonshire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Professor Ewan Beaton MacDonald OBE. Professor and Head, Healthy Working Lives Group, University of Glasgow. For services to Occupational Medicine and to Reducing Health Inequalities. (Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Eric Brownlie. Lately Assistant Principal, Curriculum and Quality Enhancement, Glasgow Clyde College. For services to Further Education in Scotland. (Lenzie, Dunbartonshire) - James Dalgleish. Inspector, Clyde Marine Unit, Ministry of Defence Police. For services to Defence Policing. (Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire) - Lynn Laughland. Chief Executive, HRM Homecare Services. For services to Improving Care Services. (Dunbartonshire) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Stein Connelly. Lately Head of Transport Resilience, Transport Scotland. For services to Transport Resilience. (Dumbarton, Dunbartonshire) - Anne Marie Rose Stella MacDougall. Volunteer. For services to the community in Clydebank. (Clydebank, Dunbartonshire) - James McLaren. For services to People with Disabilities and Older People in Clydebank and Glasgow. (Dalmuir, Dunbartonshire) - Robert Stephen Smith. Chief Executive Officer, Group Recovery Aftercare Community Enterprise. For services to Charity and to the community in East Dunbartonshire. (Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire) East Lothian ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Professor Gabriele Clarissa Hegerl FRS FRSE. Professor of Climate System Science, University of Edinburgh. For services to Climate Science. (East Linton, East Lothian) Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - John George Hawkins. Director, Resettlement Services, Home Office. For Public Service. (Dunbar, East Lothian) - Professor Peter James Higgins. Chair, Field Studies Council. For services to the Environment and Outdoor Education. (North Berwick, East Lothian) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Marjory MacFarlane. Trustee and Deputy Chair, The National Heritage Memorial Fund and Chair, National Lottery Heritage Fund Scotland Committee. For services to Heritage. (Tranent, East Lothian) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Karen Jill Bradley. Lately Team Leader, Resilience Division, Scottish Government. For services to Resilience in Scotland. (Prestonpans, East Lothian) - John Feroze Gareth Moos. For Charitable Service. (Longniddry, East Lothian) - Robert James Moran. Volunteer. For services to the community in Haddington, East Lothian. (Haddington, East Lothian) Edinburgh ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Professor Julie Lydia Fitzpatrick OBE FRSE. Chief Scientific Adviser, Scottish Government. For services to Science. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Yvonne Cecelia Elizabeth Leavy (Yvonne Sibson). Lead Epilepsy Nurse, NHS Lothian. For services to Epilepsy Nursing. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Catherine Anne MacDonald (Kiki MacDonald). Co-Founder and Trustee, Euan 's Guide. For services to People with Disabilities. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Dr Alastair John MacGilchrist. Chair, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems. For services to Medicine and Public Health. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - John Grant MacRae. For Charitable Services in Scotland. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Duncan Andrew Moss. Technical Relationship Consultant, Ordnance Survey. For services to Technical Consultancy and to Government Resilience. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Major (Rtd) Charles Matthew Pelling. Manager, Lady Haig Poppy Factory, Poppy Scotland. For services to Veterans. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Alexander James Samuel Stewart. Senior Statistician, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government. For services to Scottish Economic Statistics. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Karen Valerie Watt. Lately Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Funding Council. For Public Service. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Anthea Margaret Donaghue. Lately Chair, Pregnancy Counselling and Care Scotland. For services to Pregnancy Support in Edinburgh. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Professor Donna-Jean Corrigan O'Boyle. Professional Adviser to the Chief Nursing Officer 's Directorate, Scottish Government. For services to Improving Patient Safety. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Lesley Stephen. Patient Advocate, Make 2nds Count. For services to People with Secondary Breast Cancer and to Cancer Research. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Bridget Mary Stevens. Pioneer, Audio Description, Edinburgh. For services to the Arts. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Alan Borthwick. Artistic Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Frank Donoghue. Lately Locality Hub Team Leader, City of Edinburgh Council. For Public Service in Edinburgh. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Thomas Douglas. Veterans Community Support Manager, Royal British Legion Scotland. For services to Veterans in Scotland. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - David Liston Lyle. Musical Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) - Margaret McPhillips Manson. Founder, Edinburgh Technician Network. For services to the Provision of Sciences in Education in Edinburgh. (Edinburgh, Edinburgh) DIPLOMATIC SERVICE Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Professor Natalie Kay Waran. Emeritus Professor (One Welfare), the Eastern Institute of Technology, Honorary Professor, University of Edinburgh and Hartpury University; Director, Companion Animals New Zealand Good Life for Animals Centre. For services to Equine Welfare, Research and Education. (Edinburgh) Fife ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Michael John Downes. Director of Music, University of St Andrews. For services to Music and Education. (Anstruther, Fife) - Grant James Ritchie. Associate Director, College Development Network, lately Board Member, Scottish Funding Council and lately Principal, Dundee and Angus College. For services to Further Education. (Newport-on-Tay , Fife) - Dr Gillian Margaret Stewart. Director of Qualifications Development, Scottish Qualifications Authority. For services to Education. (Anstruther , Fife) - David Dewar Storrar. Head of Edinburgh Region, Historic Environment Scotland. For services to Heritage. (Kirkcaldy, Fife) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Professor Frances Elizabeth Andrews. Professor, School of History, University of St Andrews. For services to Higher Education. (St Andrews, Fife) - Jennifer Gill. Founder, LoveOliver. For services to Families affected by Childhood Cancer. (Kirkcaldy, Fife) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Kathleen Margaret Baird. For services to Girlguiding and to the community in Perth and Kinross. (Cupar, Fife) - Mary Claire Jennifer Cartwright. For services to the community in Springwell, Tyne and Wear. (Leven, Fife) Glasgow ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Dames Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) - Deborah Anne Crosbie. Chief Executive Officer, Nationwide Building Society. For services to the Financial Sector. (London, Greater London and Glasgow, Glasgow) Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Dr John Macgill Watson OBE. Businessman and Philanthropist. For services to Education and to Charity. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Roisin Helen Currie. Chief Executive Officer, Greggs PLC. For services to Hospitality. (Harrogate, North Yorkshire and Glasgow, Glasgow) Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Iona Colvin. Chief Social Work Adviser, Scottish Government. For services to Social Work. (Glasgow, Glasgow) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Pamela Duncan-Glancy MSP. Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow Region. For Political and Public Service. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Professor Lyndsay Fletcher FRSE. Professor of Astrophysics, University of Glasgow. For services to Solar Physics and to Diversity and Inclusion in Physics and Astronomy. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Dr Catherine Barbara Hutchison. Consultant Nurse, Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre. For services to Cancer Nursing. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Zahrah Mahmood. President, Ramblers Scotland. For Voluntary Service in Scotland. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Terence McCourt. Fundraiser, Parachute Regimental Association. For services to Veterans in Scotland. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Keith McDevitt. Cyber Resilience Team Leader, Scottish Government. For services to Cyber Resilience in Scotland. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Dr Richa Sinha. Chair, The Scottish Hindu Foundation. For services to the Hindu Community in Scotland and to Tackling Hinduphobia. (Glasgow, Glasgow) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - James Edward Hamilton. Deacon of the Church of Scotland, Parish of Maryhill Ruchill, Glasgow. For services to the community in Maryhill and Ruchill. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Adarsh Khullar. Founder and Chair, Scottish Asian Ekta Group. For services to the Scottish Asian Ekta Group. (Glasgow, Glasgow) - Leanne McGuire. Founder and Chair, Glasgow City Parents Group. For services to Parental and Carer Engagement in Education. (Glasgow, Glasgow) Inverness-shire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Katrina Heathcote. Commercial Director and Co-Owner, Witherbys. For services to the People of Scotland. (Aviemore, Inverness-shire) - Angus John Tulloch. Founder Trustee, Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust. For services to Music. (Kingussie, Inverness-shire) Lanarkshire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Jane-Marie Stobie. Allied Health Professional. For services to People with Brain Injuries in Lanarkshire, Scotland. (Hamilton, Lanarkshire) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Colin Dalgarno. President, Strathaven Rugby Club, Chair, Whiteshawgate 3G Sports Trust and Volunteer. For services to the community in Strathhaven. (Strathaven, Lanarkshire) Midlothian ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Richard Stephen Vallis. For services to Theatre, to Sport and to People with a Disability. (Penicuik, Midlothian) Orkney ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Susan Jane Campbell Melrose (Susan Foard). Procurator Fiscal, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. For services to the Administration of Justice and to the community in Orkney. (Kirkwall, Orkney) Perth and Kinross ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Nicholas Ashley Down. Head of Payments, HM Revenue and Customs. For services to the Transformation of Tax Payment Services. (Callander, Perth and Kinross) - Peter Alun Eslea Macdonald. Head of Research, Scottish Tartans Authority. For services to the Tartan Industry. (Perth, Perth and Kinross) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Pauline Margaret Watson. Secretary, The Kinross-shire Volunteer Group and Rural Outreach Scheme. For services to the community in Kinross-shire. (Kinross, Perth and Kinross) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Edna Auld. Founder and Director, Jambouree Choir. For services to Music. (Perth, Perth and Kinross) Renfrewshire ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Martin Fairley. Service Delivery Manager, Scottish Police Authority Forensic Services. For services to Criminal Justice. (Giffnock, Renfrewshire) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Montague Cowen. Volunteer, Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women. For services to the Jewish Community and to the community in Giffnock, Glasgow. (Glasgow, Renfrewshire) - Jo-Anne Halliday. Chief Executive Officer, Talking Medicines. For services to the Economy and to Medical Innovation. (Kilmacolm, Renfrewshire) Ross and Cromarty ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Kevin Peach. Chief Executive Officer and Harbourmaster, Ullapool Harbour Trust. For services to the Economy and to the community in Ullapool. (Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Lynn Christian Jamieson. Volunteer. For services to the community in Dingwall. (Dingwall, Ross and Cromarty) Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Alistair Murray Moffat. Founder of Borders Book, Lennoxlove Book Festivals and Kelso Arts Festival. For services to Literature and Culture. (Selkirk, Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale) Shetland ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Helen Jane Budge. Lately Director, Children's Services, Shetland Islands Council. For services to Education. (Lerwick, Shetland) Stirling and Falkirk ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Susan Amanda Brookes. Interim Director of Strategy and Stakeholder Engagement, The Scottish Prison Service. For services to People in Custody. (Bonnybridge, Stirling and Falkirk) Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Claire Odette Mack. Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Renewables. For services to the Economy and to Business. (Bonnybridge, Stirling and Falkirk) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - John Walker Dreczkowski. Volunteer, Eilidh Brown Respite Home. For services to Charity. (Stirling, Stirling and Falkirk) - Kenneth Macangus MacKenzie. Chief Executive Officer, Target Fund Managers. For services to the Care Home Sector and to Improving the Lives of Older People. (Stirling, Stirling and Falkirk) Sutherland ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - John Neil Dalton. Chair, East Sutherland Rescue Association. For services to the community in East Sutherland. (Dornoch, Sutherland) Tweeddale ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Mariella Marzano. Principal Social Scientist, Forest Research. For services to Forestry. (Peebles, Tweeddale) West Lothian ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Professor Rowland Raymond Kao. Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Edinburgh. For services to Mathematics and Infectious Disease Dynamics. (Bathgate, West Lothian) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Victoria Spence Dunnett. Chair, Board of Directors, Boghall Drop in Centre, Bathgate. For services to Vulnerable People in West Lothian. (Bathgate, West Lothian) - Malcolm John Kirby. Volunteer, Red Dot Radio. For services to Hospitals in Edinburgh. (Broxburn, West Lothian) - Nichola Jane Page. Chief Human Resources Officer, Police Service of Scotland. For services to Policing, to Equality, and to Health. (Bathgate, West Lothian) Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) - Margaret Mullan Graham. Chair and Volunteer, Broxburn Family Centre. For services to the community in Broxburn. (Broxburn, West Lothian) - Shirley Jamieson. Lately School Crossing Patrol Person, City of Edinburgh. For services to the Safety of Pedestrians in Juniper Green, Edinburgh. (West Calder, West Lothian) - Jennifer Mallace. Founder, Bo 'ness Belles. For services to Charity. (Bo'ness, West Lothian) Western Isles ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Angus Campbell. Company Director, Kilbride Shellfish Ltd. For services to the Scottish Fishing Industry. (Isle of South Uist, Western Isles) - John Richard Norgrove. Co-Founder, Linda Norgrove Foundation. For services to Women and Children Abroad and in Scotland. (Isle of Lewis, Western Isles) - Lorna Norgrove. Trustee and Co-Founder, Linda Norgrove Foundation. For services to Women and Children Abroad and in Scotland. (Isle of Lewis, Western Isles) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Donald John MacSween. For services to the community in the Western Isles. (Isle of Lewis, Western Isles) ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Commanders of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) - Dr Stephen Baker. Scottish Government Trade Envoy to Japan. For services to Scotland-Japan Trade and Investment. (Abroad) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Robert William Patrick Dunne. Volunteer Treasurer, Veterans' Housing Scotland. For services to Veterans. (Belfast, Belfast) Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) - Dr Paula Lesley Cowan. Reader in Education, School of Education, University of the West of Scotland, Founder and Director, Vision Schools Scotland. For services to Holocaust Education and Remembrance. (London, Greater London) - George Ussher. For services to the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association. (Lisburn, County Antrim) - Moira McManus Vance. Correspondence Manager, Scotland Office. For Public Service. (London, Greater London) SCOTTISH OFFICE KING'S POLICE MEDAL (KPM) - Gary Ritchie. Assistant Chief Constable, Police Service of Scotland. KING'S FIRE SERVICE MEDAL (KFSM) - John Aitchison. Watch Commander, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. - Gerard Ralston. Volunteer Leader, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. KING'S AMBULANCE SERVICE MEDAL (KAM) - Sarah Jayne Stevenson. Corporate Risk Manager, Scottish Ambulance Service.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Kemi Badenoch thinks people leaving Conservatives is a ‘good thing'
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has said that defections from her party are a "good thing" because those who are leaving "don't believe in conservatism". Her comments come as Nigel Farage 's Reform party has taken a steady stream of councillors from the Tories in Scotland in recent months. On Thursday, Lauren Knight, who represents the Huntly, Strathbogie and Howe of Alford ward on Aberdeenshire Council, defected to Reform. The party has claimed to have 11,000 members north of the border. Reform recently surged in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Holyrood by-election, rising to third place and coming close to the SNP in the seat, which was won by Labour 's Davy Russell. Despite the perceived threat to the Tories from Reform, Ms Badenoch said she did not have an issue with people leaving for the party. She told journalists at the Scottish Tory conference: 'Reform are not a centre-right party. 'This is a party that's talking about nationalising oil and gas. 'This is a party that wants to increase benefits at a time when the benefits bill is so high. 'So if Nigel Farage is taking out of the Conservative Party the people who are not Conservatives, then I'm quite fine with that. ' One of the things that we ned to do is make sure that people see an authentic Conservative Party, we don't want people who want nationalisation and more benefits.' She later added: 'If offering a very, very clear kind of conservatism is now sending out the people from our party who don't believe in our values in the long run, that's a good thing. 'There is no point in us just accumulating lots of people who don't believe in conservatism just so we can win, then when we get into government, we can't govern. 'That's what we saw happen before, that's what we're seeing with Labour, they don't have a plan. 'They just had a plan to win elections and now they're going round and round in circles. 'We want to have people who believe in our agenda, not just people who want to be politicians.' The Tory leader also hit out at former Tory MSP Jamie Greene – who defected to the Lib Dems earlier this year, attacking his support for the Scottish Government's controversial – and ultimately blocked – gender reforms. 'How anyone could have supported what was obviously a mad piece of legislation and think themselves a Conservative is beyond me,' she said. Former party leader Jackson Carlaw and current health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane both also backed the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. Speaking as she made her first appearance at the Scottish Tory conference since taking over as leader, Ms Badenoch declared Nigel Farage a 'threat to the union'. 'If he wants the SNP to have another five years, then that is a threat to the union,' she said. She pointed to an interview Mr Farage gave to the Times earlier this year where he suggested his party could side with the SNP ahead of Labour, but he added that Scotland was 'not going to leave the United Kingdom, it's not going to happen in a month of Sundays'. In her speech, the Tory leader said: 'In April this year, Nigel Farage said he would be fine with the SNP winning another five years in power. 'He's fine with another five years of higher bills, longer waiting lists, declining school standards, gender madness, and ultimately, independence.' Addressing members of the party, she said 'Scottish people deserve better' than another five years of the SNP – the party currently leading in the polls ahead of next year's election – while also announcing her party would scrap the windfall tax on oil and gas if it wins back power at the next UK-wide vote. While the SNP may be in the lead, some polls suggest Reform could beat Labour to second place and push the Tories to fourth. 'In April this year, Nigel Farage said he would be fine with the SNP winning another five years in power,' she said in her speech. 'He's fine with another five years of higher bills, longer waiting lists, declining school standards, gender madness, and ultimately, independence.' Addressing her first Scottish conference since taking on the top job, Ms Badenoch claimed: 'Reform will vote to let the SNP in, Conservatives will only ever vote to get the nationalists out.' Part of her 'positive vision of the future' includes 'standing up' for the North Sea oil and gas industry, with Mrs Badenoch claiming that by increasing the energy profits levy – also known as the windfall tax – the Tories had introduced, Labour is 'killing the oil and gas industry'. Speaking about the levy, she said: 'Frankly if it is allowed to remain in place until 2030, as is Labour's current plan, there will be no industry left to tax. 'Thousands will have been made unemployed and all the while we import more gas from overseas – from the very same basin in which we are banned from drilling.' She called on the UK Government to remove the energy profits levy, as she added that the Tories would also 'scrap the ban on new licences' for oil and gas developments that has been imposed since Labour came to power. 'We will champion our own industry,' Mrs Badenoch told supporters. 'We will let this great British, great Scottish industry thrive, grow and create jobs – ensuring our energy security for generations to come and making Scotland richer in the process.'
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Defections are ‘good thing', claims Badenoch
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has claimed defections from her party are a 'good thing' because the people leaving 'don't believe in conservatism'. Nigel Farage's Reform – which claimed to have 11,000 members north of the border – has taken a steady stream of councillors from the Tories in Scotland in recent months, most recently on Thursday when Aberdeenshire representative Lauren Knight made the move. The shift comes after the party surged in the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse Holyrood by-election, rising to third and coming close to the SNP in the seat, won by Labour's Davy Russell. But despite the perceived threat to the Tories from Reform, Ms Badenoch said she did not have an issue with people leaving for the party. 'Reform are not a centre-right party,' she told journalists at the Scottish Tory conference. 'This is a party that's talking about nationalising oil and gas. 'This is a party that wants to increase benefits at a time when the benefits bill is so high. 'So if Nigel Farage is taking out of the Conservative Party the people who are not Conservatives, then I'm quite fine with that. 'One of the things that we ned to do is make sure that people see an authentic Conservative Party, we don't want people who want nationalisation and more benefits.' She later added: 'If offering a very, very clear kind of conservatism is now sending out the people from our party who don't believe in our values in the long run, that's a good thing. 'There is no point in us just accumulating lots of people who don't believe in conservatism just so we can win, then when we get into government, we can't govern. 'That's what we saw happen before, that's what we're seeing with Labour, they don't have a plan. 'They just had a plan to win elections and now they're going round and round in circles. 'We want to have people who believe in our agenda, not just people who want to be politicians.' The Tory leader also hit out at former Tory MSP Jamie Greene – who defected to the Lib Dems earlier this year, attacking his support for the Scottish Government's controversial – and ultimately blocked – gender reforms. 'How anyone could have supported what was obviously a mad piece of legislation and think themselves a Conservative is beyond me,' she said. Former party leader Jackson Carlaw and current health spokesman Dr Sandesh Gulhane both also backed the Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill. Speaking as she made her first appearance at the Scottish Tory conference since taking over as leader, Ms Badenoch declared Nigel Farage a 'threat to the union'. 'If he wants the SNP to have another five years, then that is a threat to the union,' she said. She pointed to an interview Mr Farage gave to the Times earlier this year where he suggested his party could side with the SNP ahead of Labour, but he added that Scotland was 'not going to leave the United Kingdom, it's not going to happen in a month of Sundays'. In her speech, the Tory leader said: 'In April this year, Nigel Farage said he would be fine with the SNP winning another five years in power. 'He's fine with another five years of higher bills, longer waiting lists, declining school standards, gender madness, and ultimately, independence.' Addressing members of the party, she said 'Scottish people deserve better' than another five years of the SNP – the party currently leading in the polls ahead of next year's election – while also announcing her party would scrap the windfall tax on oil and gas if it wins back power at the next UK-wide vote. While the SNP may be in the lead, some polls suggest Reform could beat Labour to second place and push the Tories to fourth. 'In April this year, Nigel Farage said he would be fine with the SNP winning another five years in power,' she said in her speech. 'He's fine with another five years of higher bills, longer waiting lists, declining school standards, gender madness, and ultimately, independence.' Addressing her first Scottish conference since taking on the top job, Ms Badenoch claimed: 'Reform will vote to let the SNP in, Conservatives will only ever vote to get the nationalists out.' Part of her 'positive vision of the future' includes 'standing up' for the North Sea oil and gas industry, with Mrs Badenoch claiming that by increasing the energy profits levy – also known as the windfall tax – the Tories had introduced, Labour is 'killing the oil and gas industry'. Speaking about the levy, she said: 'Frankly if it is allowed to remain in place until 2030, as is Labour's current plan, there will be no industry left to tax. 'Thousands will have been made unemployed and all the while we import more gas from overseas – from the very same basin in which we are banned from drilling.' She called on the UK Government to remove the energy profits levy, as she added that the Tories would also 'scrap the ban on new licences' for oil and gas developments that has been imposed since Labour came to power. 'We will champion our own industry,' Mrs Badenoch told supporters. 'We will let this great British, great Scottish industry thrive, grow and create jobs – ensuring our energy security for generations to come and making Scotland richer in the process.'
