Scotland Women’s football boss Shelley Kerr has been awarded an MBE for services to the game.
Shelley, from Polbeth, was one of four people from West Lothian to receive a gong in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
She is currently in France for the Women’s World Cup and said she is delighted with the honour.
Shelley said: “It’s not often I’m lost for words but I was speechless when I found out I’ve been awarded an MBE and really surprised.
“It’s a tremendous honour and one I’m immensely proud of.
“I’ve always been brought up with good values and being a team player. It’s times like these that I look back and think about everyone who has helped me. As a wee girl I had a passion for football and I’ve developed over the years but I’ve always wanted to give something back to the game.
“To be recognised for that gives me a real sense of pride.
“I would say the award is more about other people than it is about me. The players have created a huge amount of profile for the women’s national team off the back of their performances on the park and they deserve a huge amount of credit for that.
“I’ve worked in the development side of the game and there’s been so many people who have supported me as an individual and it’s down to them I’ve been recognised.
“I’ve been sworn to secrecy so I only really told my parents and my daughter prior to the announcement.
“ My family have sacrificed so much to support me and this award is for them as much as it is for me.”
Shelley, who is a former Parkhead Primary and West Calder High School pupil, has led the Scottish Women’s football team to the Women’s World Cup for the first time ever.
Earlier this year the council named the new 3G pitches at West Calder High School after Shelley.
Also picking up honours for their hard work are Dr Robert Campbell Kennedy Thomson, principal and chief executive of Forth Valley College for services to Education, Economic Development and the community across Forth Valley, William Geddes, inspector, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education, for services to Education and Anne Galbraith Cook, head of the Social Housing Services Team, Better Homes Division with the Scottish Government for services to Social Housing and the community across Forth Valley.
Provost Tom Kerr paid tribute to each of the recipients. He said: “Congratulations to all four recipients.
“They all have very different professions and achievements but they have all contributed hugely to their respective fields and are greatly respected. I’m sure residents across West Lothian are very proud to hear of their recognition.”
West Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Moira Niven added: “It’s fantastic to see four outstanding West Lothian citizens honoured.”
