His Majesty The King has nominated people from Edinburgh among the list of those honoured on the occasion of his official birthday.
At the top of the honours list His Majesty has recognised Sir Donald McCullin, CBE, the war photographer and Dame Helen Mirren, by bestowing upon each of them the highest honour of the Order of the Companions of Honour.
Authors Malorie Blackman who wrote the series Noughts and Crosses, and Julia Donaldson, who has given so many children such pleasure with her books about The Gruffalo, both take the title of Dame.
Director of Health Data Research UK, Vice Principal of Data Science at the University of Edinburgh, and President of the Academy of Medical Sciences, Professor Andrew Morris, receives a knighthood for services to UK Public Health and Patient Care.
As Scotland’s FIFA World Cup campaign begins, former Scotland cap Lou Macari is awarded the MBE for services to Association Football and to Homeless People in Stoke on Trent.
In Edinburgh the honours list has recognised:
Allison Gardner who was formerly Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Film and who will receive a Commander of the order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to Film and Cinema in Scotland. Ms Gardner was appointed CEO in 2020 and continued until October 2025 when she was replaced by Seonaid Daly. She first joined the organisation in 1993 as a Duty Manager and progressed through the ranks. Glasgow Film is a successful independent cinema and educational charity which operates Glasgow Film Theatre.
Dr Ann Matheson who was until recently Keeper, National Library of Scotland receives a CBE for services to Literature and Culture. Dr Matheson was formerly Keeper of Printed Books at the National Library of Scotland.
Paul Nisbet, Director of Communication Access Literacy and Learning Scotland, School of Education and Sport, Edinburgh University, has also been awarded a CBE for services to Education and the Development of Assistive Technology. He is a Senior Research Fellow with a first degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering followed by an MSc in knowledge-based systems. He also co-invented the Smart Wheelchair – a powered wheelchair control system for people with severe disabilities for whom a conventional chair is not appropriate.
Susan Dawe receives an OBE. She is the Managing Partner in Scotland of financial services firm, EY.
Professor Andrew Elder receives an OBE. He is the former President of the Royal College of Physicians in Edinburgh and has been honoured for his services to Medicine and Medical Education. He holds the Scotland Hydro Nation Chair at the University of Stirling.
And Graham Ross Fraser has been awarded the OBE for services to The Scottish Government, and to Fire and Rescue Services. He is the Assistant Inspector at HM Fire Inspectorate for Scotland.
Timothy Hall was is Head of Estates and Programmes at Woodland Trust Scotland, Chair, Future Woodlands Scotland and Trustee, Borders Forest Trust has been awarded an OBE for services to Conservation and to Forestry.
Joanna Elizabeth Keating has received an OBE for her services to International Development which heading up the International Development department at The Scottish Government.
The honour of MBE has been given to Pauline Aylesbury who is Deputy Director, Marketing, Insight, Brand Scotland and Internal Communications at The Scottish Government, and an MBE has been awarded to the Yard Manager at Tower Farm Riding Stables, Debbie-Anne Henderson, for services to equestrianism and to the community in Edinburgh and the South of Scotland, to Andrea Kinver the Strategy and Insight Lead at The Scottish Government for public service, to Roy Michael Thomas, Chair of Adaptive Riders Collective for services to adaptive cycling in Scotland.
Vittoria Bucknall, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, for services to Children and Young People, has become a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire with the award of the British Empire Medal (BEM). The BEM is also awarded to Francis Cusack for services to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh,
The First Minister, John Swinney, said:“I would like to personally congratulate and thank each of this year’s recipients of The King’s Birthday Honours. From scientists and educators to volunteers and charity heroes, they have each been recognised for their outstanding contributions to their communities, sectors and public life in Scotland.
“The recipients of The King’s Police, Fire and Ambulance Service Medals demonstrate lives dedicated to keeping others safe and supporting communities. I sincerely thank them for their service and commitment.”
Scottish Secretary, Douglas Alexander, has congratulated all those Scots recognised in His Majesty’s Birthday Honours list. Paying tribute to the breadth of individuals honoured, from sporting legends to community volunteers, Mr Alexander said:
“I am delighted to congratulate all those Scots who have been recognised in His Majesty’s Birthday Honours.
“With Scotland qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in decades, it is particularly fitting that Scottish footballing legend Lou Macari has been recognised by His Majesty. Macari won 24 caps for Scotland, including in the doomed 1978 Argentina campaign – we all hope for a better result this time.
“Scotland’s vibrant education, science and energy sectors are well represented. I’m particularly pleased to see Scotland’s renewables and nuclear energy expertise recognised – as our nation leads our drive to clean power.
“The list is a testament to the extraordinary difference that ordinary people make in their communities every day. It recognises those who give so much of themselves in service to others. Scotland is fortunate to have so many remarkable people working quietly and tirelessly to make it a better place, and it is right that we take this moment to celebrate them.”
