John Watson 'elated' with CBE in King's birthday honours
Mr Watson has focused largely on philanthropic work since selling the family printing firm he had run for several decades to Multi-Color Corporation of Ohio in a multi-million-deal in 2013. By then John Watson and Company, which Mr Watson had run as managing director from the age of 28 and specialised in labelling for the Scotch whisky industry, was the largest printing business in Scotland.
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Since retiring Mr Watson has given significant support to a range of causes through his Watson Foundation, including Social Bite, the charity set up by friend Josh Littlejohn to tackle homelessness. The Watson Foundation provided financial backing to the campaign established by The Herald to establish a Covid memorial garden in Pollok Park, which raised nearly £250,000 for the cause.
The philanthropist has also supported the Marie Curie Hospice in Glasgow and the restoration of Clyde steamer TS Queen Mary through the foundation.
Mr Watson, who remains an influential figure in the Scottish business community, was awarded the CBE just seven months after he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Glasgow for his charitable work and business achievements.
He said tonight that he was 'honoured and elated' to receive the CBE, noting that having been awarded the OBE 19 years ago, the latest honour to be bestowed on him 'came as a considerable surprise'.
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