Parents of Linda Norgrove among Scots recognised in honours list

An MSP and a couple who set up a charity after their daughter was killed in Afghanistan are among the Scots recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Nationwide’s chief executive and the Scottish boss of Greggs are also honoured, along with a historian who was involved in creating the Great Tapestry of Scotland and the manager of a poppy factory.

John and Lorna Norgrove are both made OBEs for services to women and children abroad and in Scotland.

They set up the Linda Norgrove Foundation in memory of their daughter Linda, an aid worker who was kidnapped by the Taliban and died in an attempted rescue by US forces in October 2010.

The foundation funds education, health and childcare for women and children in Afghanistan.

Recently it worked with both the Scottish and UK governments to bring 19 female Afghan medical students to Scotland to continue their degrees as they were barred by the Taliban from completing their university studies in Afghanistan.

The couple said: “We are honoured to have received this recognition of the work being carried out by the Linda Norgrove Foundation.

“We are a tiny charity, mostly volunteers, who all share the same goal – to make life better for women and children in Afghanistan.

“We dedicate this honour to all those brave women who remain in Afghanistan, or who have made the decision to leave their homes and families behind to move abroad and continue their studies and careers. Their struggle continues and they are the real heroes of this story.”

Labour MSP Pam Duncan-Glancy is made an MBE for political and public service.

She has been MSP for the Glasgow region since May 2021 and is the first permanent wheelchair user elected to the Scottish Parliament.

She said: “I’m really, really proud to have been given this honour for the work that I’ve done in the community and for disability rights.

“It’s a real honour to do this. When I got elected as an MSP, I said I was a wee working class woman in a wheelchair.

“To think that I could be a wee working class woman in a wheelchair who’s also got an MBE, I just thought that was pretty special.”

Debbie Crosbie, the only woman to lead a “big six” bank in the UK, has been given a damehood for her services to financial services.

Dame Debbie told the PA news agency: “I try to encourage people to think beyond, ‘I’m a female’, but when it comes to this (honour), I am actually hugely proud.

“I grew up in Glasgow, I wasn’t different to any of my peer group, so to be given the opportunity to lead… I’ve had a massively rewarding career.

“As a woman, I hope that sends a message of opportunity and hope, not just to young people.”

Roisin Currie, a fellow Glaswegian and alumnus of Strathclyde University, has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to hospitality.

Ms Currie became the chief executive of Greggs in 2022 having joined the Newcastle-based bakery chain, popular for its sausage rolls, 12 years prior.

Historian Alistair Moffat, 74, who founded the Borders Book Festival, is also recognised in the list.

He becomes an MBE in recognition of services to literature and culture.

Mr Moffat founded the Borders Book Festival 22 years ago and was also a key figure in the creation of The Great Tapestry of Scotland in 2010.

News of the MBE comes as this year’s book festival takes place.

Mr Moffat said: “It is just a monumental bunch of flowers to get.

“One of the reasons was for starting the Borders Book Festival, which starts on Thursday.

“The announcement will be in the middle of the book festival, which started 22 years ago.

“It has a big, beneficial impact on the region, and it brings in lots of visitors. The MBE has been very well-timed.”

Others recognised include Charles Pelling, manager of the Lady Haig Poppy Factory in Edinburgh.

He becomes an OBE in recognition of services to veterans.

A team of disabled ex-servicemen and women make all items for the Scottish Poppy Appeal at the factory, which was founded in 1926 by Lady Haig.

Major Pelling, who lives in Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted to receive this honour.

“I hope it will highlight the ongoing and critical work that Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory and Poppyscotland undertake every day with the veteran’s community in Scotland.”

A social media influencer known as the Hillwalking Hijabi has also been recognised.

Zahrah Mahmood, 34, president of Ramblers Scotland, is made an MBE for her contribution to voluntary service in Scotland.

She said: “If I’m being honest I’m still taking it in. I’m grateful, and I hope I can continue using whatever platform this brings to keep doing the work which matters to me and so many others.”

Others recognised include recently retired Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Gary Ritchie, who has been awarded the King’s Police Medal (KPM), while the force’s chief officer of human resources, Nicky Page, becomes an MBE for services to policing, equality and health.

Jenna Speirs, and her parents Caroline and Duncan Speirs, have each been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for the work they have done with the charity they started after Jenna’s twin brother Calum died of cancer aged 12.

The trio, from the Isle of Bute, started Calum’s Cabin after Calum, who had an inoperable brain tumour, died.

Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “The honours list showcases the remarkable achievements of individuals across Scotland who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields.

“Their service to our communities represents the spirit of dedication and excellence that makes Scotland proud.”

The King’s Fire Service Medal is awarded to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s volunteer leader Gerry Ralston, and watch commander John Aitchison.

Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service corporate risk manager, receives the King’s Ambulance Service Medal.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said: “My congratulations and thanks to the King’s Birthday Honours recipients who have each made outstanding contributions to community and public life in Scotland.

“The recipients of the King’s Police, Fire or Ambulance Service Medals demonstrate lives dedicated to keeping others safe and supporting communities. I sincerely thank them for their service and commitment.”