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Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Robbie Chalmers

Unsung Perth and Kinross heroes recognised in King’s Birthday Honours list

A number of unsung Perth and Kinross heroes have been recognised in the new monarch’s first King’s Birthday Honours list.

King Charles is said to be delighted with his first commendations, with more than 1000 remarkable people selected.

Familiar faces including ex-footballer Ian Wright, editor-in-chief of Vogue Dame Anna Wintour, TV presenter Davina McCall, Scottish broadcaster Ken Bruce and Scottish Labour Party deputy leader Jackie Baillie were among those honoured.

Members of the public can put forward individuals they believe have made a contribution to the community, with an independent committee then whittling down the nominees.

Those who are successful are then approved by the monarch and awarded with an honour.

Among them were some exceptional local individuals who have strived to help the lives of others and improve communities.

Receiving a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) medal - awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community - is former depute chief executive at Perth and Kinross Council, John Fyffe.

The former head teacher and educational pioneer has been honoured for services to education and to young people in Scotland for over four decades.

Deputy head of the Scottish Government’s protocol and honours team, Terri Thomson, of Perth, also received an MBE for services in Scotland on the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

King Charles III arrives at the Order Of The Garter Service at Windsor Castle on June 19 (Chris Jackson/Getty Images)

A British Empire Medal (BEM) - awarded for a ‘hands-on’ service to the local community such as charitable or voluntary activity - was given to David Euan Campbell, of Crieff.

He has be recognised for services to culture in Perthshire as founder of Strathearn Artspace, now known as Strathearn Arts.

Chair of anti-poverty charity Broke not Broken, Anne McCormack, of Kinross, will also receive a BEM for services to disadvantaged people in Perth and Kinross, particularly during Covid.

And retired Perthshire policeman Kenny MacDonald (52) was one of the few in law enforcement handpicked to receive the King’s Police Medal (KPM).

Kenny joined Strathclyde Police in 1994 and retired in November 2022 after almost 29 years’ police service having latterly been assistant chief constable for Criminal Justice.

He also delivered significant digital change programmes and was the gold commander for Operation Unicorn last year.

Mr MacDonald said: “I am truly honoured and humbled to receive this award. I accept it on behalf of all of the officers and staff working throughout the service, across Scotland.

“It was a true privilege to serve as a police officer, and my most sincere thanks go to my family, friends and colleagues who have supported me throughout my career.”

A total of 1171 people made the list, with the awards including 332 British Empire Medals (BEM), 471 Medal of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) and 236 Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Among those honoured, 50 per cent are women and 11 per cent come from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Nearly a quarter - 23 per cent - considered themselves to come from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.

Speaking as King Charles’ first Birthday Honours were announced, Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “My warmest congratulations go to all the Scottish recipients of the King’s Birthday honours.

“Scots are well represented in His Majesty’s first Honours list, which showcases the best of Scottish talent - including sport, the arts, community and education.”

The full list UK-wide honours list is published by the Cabinet Office.

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