Club boss Donald MacLeod has been given an MBE for his long support to music and charity.
The larger than life boss of The Garage and Cathouse clubs in Glasgow was recognised for his work with the Nordoff Robbins music therapy charity.
Donald, the charity’s Scottish fundraising boss, helped launch the hugely successful Scottish Music Awards 22 years agoand has worked with top acts like Simple Minds, Emeli Sandi, Biffy Clyro, Amy Macdonald, Dougie Maclean and Paulo Nutini.
He has championed the work of the charity through his contacts in the music industry, business world and in politics.
Donald said; “I am delighted and quite humbled at being chosen to receive such a distinguished accolade.
“Music has been my life’s work and passion, and throughout most of my career Nordoff Robbins and the fantastic work it carries out in Scotland has been a great source of pride and inspiration.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the charity: the beneficiaries, the therapists, fellow board and committee members, fundraisers and all those who nominated me.
“I regard this award as a deserved recognition of their hard work, fortitude and endeavour, and of course support, which has been as vital as it has been valued.”
Donald also thanked wife Pauline and his family for all the support, adding: “News of this award has also been music to the ears of my mother Margaret, who tragically lost her son Calum, my younger brother, at the beginning of the pandemic, but who is now beaming from ear to ear.
“These are dark times for us all, but this fantastic news has raised our spirits and brightened everyone up.”
Donald (MD of Holdfast Entertainment Group and CPL) has hosted global acts like Prince, Coldplay, Anthrax, Pretenders, One Direction, Fun Lovin Criminals, Barns Courtney and Queens of the Stone Age at his iconic venues.
Sandra Schembri, Chief Executive of Nordoff Robbins said: “On behalf of the whole team at Nordoff Robbins, we’d like to congratulate Donald on being awarded his MBE.
"Donald has been a champion for those we support and has devoted a huge amount of his time and energy to the charity to help raise vital funds for us to continue to support some of the most vulnerable and isolated members of our society.
“His ongoing commitment to Nordoff Robbins in Scotland has made a huge difference.
"We are so grateful for his uniting people through the power of music to help those that need it most.”
