Many people from Edinburgh have been mentioned on the King’s New Year’s Honours List. Among them, there are two notable women.
Ann Budge, the former Chair of Heart of Midlothian, who has remained connected to Hearts as Honorary President, has been awarded the OBE. She spent 11 years helping the football club to oversee a period of progression both on and off the pitch.
Ann said: “This is an incredibly proud moment, not just for myself but for my family too, because their support across the years allowed me to focus on doing the very best job that I could for Heart of Midlothian Football Club.
“Although sport has been such a big part of my life over the past decade, so too has community. Transforming Hearts’ relationship with the local community, and driving it forward, has been a passion of mine. To therefore be recognised for services to both sport and community is a very rewarding feeling.
“I must also thank the staff at Hearts. Without their involvement, we would not have been able to achieve what we set out to do, returning the club to the top of Scottish football. This honour is as much theirs as it is mine.”
A Hearts spokesperson said: “Everybody at Heart of Midlothian is thrilled that Ann has been honoured, in such a magnificent way, for her work at the club.
“Ann’s story has been told many times, and it will continue to be told for years to come, such is her significance in rescuing the club before restoring its reputation both on and off the pitch.
“It is a fitting tribute that ‘Queen Ann’ be recognised by King Charles III, and we look forward to welcoming back our Honorary President as the proud recipient of an OBE.”
Carol Grigor, CBE.
Carol Grigor, CBE, has been made a Dame in the Honours list. Her support for arts and cultural causes extends from the USA to Australia, and more recently Ireland, along with support in the UK for organisations including the London Philharmonic Orchestra and Edinburgh International Festival. Earlier in the year she was awarded the Carnegie Medal.
Dunard Fund, which is chaired by Carol, has provided millions of pounds worth of grants to charities in the arts and heritage sectors, including the Edinburgh International Festival, National Galleries of Scotland, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, National Library of Scotland and Britain’s major opera companies.
The Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, said: “My warmest congratulations go to all those recognised in this year’s King’s Honours, whose dedication, achievement and service have made a lasting and positive impact on our city and beyond.
“This year, 18 people from across Edinburgh have been named in the King’s New Year Honours List for 2026. From scientists and carers to NHS staff and charity leaders, each honouree reflects the very best of public service and community contribution.
“I’m particularly pleased to recognise Edinburgh Award recipient Ann Budge, who has been awarded an OBE for services to sport and the community in Midlothian. Ann’s leadership in her 11 years as Chair of Heart of Midlothian FC transformed both the club and Tynecastle Stadium into a thriving, family-friendly and community-focused institution. Her pioneering work to introduce the Living Wage to professional football in UK, while investing in youth skills and securing a sustainable future for the club, has set a benchmark for sporting and civic leadership.
“I also extend my sincere congratulations to Carol Colburn Grigor on her appointment as Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the arts, culture and women in the UK. Although she does not live in Edinburgh, her contribution to the city has been profound. Through her leadership of the Dunard Fund, Dame Carol has made an extraordinary impact on Scotland’s cultural life, supporting many of our most treasured institutions, including the Edinburgh International Festival and National Galleries of Scotland.
“Her substantial support for the Dunard Centre, Edinburgh’s first purpose-built concert hall in a century, and the revitalisation of the former Royal High School to accommodate St Mary’s Music School will leave a lasting legacy for our city.
“These honours celebrate individuals whose vision, generosity and commitment enrich our communities and inspire others. On behalf of the City of Edinburgh, I offer my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to all those recognised for their exceptional service.”
