N Ireland motorcyclist, war veteran and public inquiry chairwoman honoured
One of the world's most renowned road racers, an astrophysicist and the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland are among those being honoured by the King in his birthday honours.
The region also has the oldest person to be honoured on the list, with 106-year-old Second World War veteran Norman Irwin, from Coleraine, in line for a British Empire Medal (BEM).
Dozens of people from Northern Ireland have been recognised, including former permanent secretary at the Department of Health Peter May with the Order of the Bath for public service, and Michael Dunlop, 36, being made an MBE for services to motorcycle racing.
From starting his racing journey as one of the famous Dunlop family dynasty of Ballymoney, Co Antrim, in 2006, Michael has gone on to become the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT, with 32 wins, and has overall won more than 120 national road races.
He said: 'I've spent years pushing through every high and low life could throw at me. No matter the challenge, I've always given everything 100% on and off the track.
'To now be recognised in this way is a privilege beyond words.'
Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, 81, originally from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour, and Christine Smith KC, from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, is being made a CBE.
Ms Smith said she is 'deeply honoured'.
'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland,' she said.
'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support.
'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry (USI,) and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI), the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (RHI) and in particular the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA).'
Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service.
Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'.
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Edinburgh Reporter
a day ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
King's Birthday Honours include more than one hundred Scots
Scots who have contributed to their communities and country are celebrated in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List 2025 which has just been published. There are 1,215 recipients in total who have been awarded for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus this year on those who have given their time to public service and 110 of those are from Scotland. This year's recipients include community champions, role models in sport, pioneers in the arts, passionate health workers, and supporters of young people. Recipients from Scotland make up 9% of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year. Among notable names on the list,(although widely reported ahead of time) footballer David Beckham receives a knighthood for services to Sport and to Charity. Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP has received an MBE for political and public service. The Labour MSP is the first permanent wheelchair user elected to The Scottish Parliament. And author and Scottish historian, Alistair Moffat, becomes MBE. Sir Antony Gormley who sculpted the six figures which appear in the Water of Leith receives the Order of the Companions of Honour. Anne Glover who was the the first ever Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland receives a Damehood. Roger Daltrey, CBE, of The Who, receives a knighthood From Edinburgh the honorees include Shirley Jamieson, the former 'lollipop lady' in Juniper Green, and Frank Donoghue who ran the City Chambers for forty years. Others who received an honour include: Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, OBE, FRSE, Chief Scientific Adviser to The Scottish Government, who receives a CBE for services to science. Professor Gabriele Clarissa Hegerl, FRS, FRSE, Professor of Climate System Science, University of Edinburgh, a CBE for services to Climate Science Professor Rowland Raymond Kao, Professor of Veterinary Epidemiology and Data Science, University of Edinburgh, a CBE for services to Mathematics and Infectious Disease Dynamics Yvonne Cecelia Elizabeth Leavy (Yvonne Sibson) Lead Epilepsy Nurse, NHS Lothian, an OBE for services to Epilepsy Nursing Catherine Anne Macdonald (Kiki Macdonald) Co-Founder and Trustee, Euan 's Guide, an OBE for services to People with Disabilities. Dr Alastair John MacGilchrist, Chair, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems, an OBE for services to Medicine and Public Health. John Grant Macrae an OBE for Charitable Services in Scotland. Duncan Andrew Moss, Technical Relationship Consultant, Ordnance Survey, an OBE for services to Technical Consultancy and to Government Resilience Major (Rtd) Charles Matthew Pelling, Manager, Lady Haig Poppy Factory, PoppyScotland, an OBE for services to Veterans. Alexander James Samuel Stewart. Senior Statistician, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government, an OBE for services to Scottish Economic Statistics David Dewar Storrar, Senior Statistician, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government, an OBE for services to Scottish Economic Statistics Karen Valerie Watt Lately Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Funding Council, an OBE for Public Service Anthea Margaret Donaghue, Lately Chair, Pregnancy Counselling and Care Scotland, an MBE for services to Pregnancy Support in Edinburgh Malcolm John Kirby, Volunteer, Red Dot Radio, an MBE for services to Hospitals in Edinburgh Professor Donna-Jean Corrigan O'Boyle, Professional Adviser to the Chief Nursing Officer's Directorate, Scottish Government, an MBE for services to Improving Patient Safety Melvyn Westley Roffe, Lately School Principal, George Watson's College, Edinburgh, an MBE for services to Education and to the community in Edinburgh Lesley Stephen, Patient Advocate, Make 2nds Count, an MBE for services to People with Secondary Breast Cancer and to Cancer Research Bridget Mary Stevens, Pioneer, Audio Description, Edinburgh an MBE for services to the Arts The following are Medallists of the Order of the British Empire Alan Borthwick, Artistic Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society for services to Music Frank Donoghue, Lately Locality Hub Team Leader, City of Edinburgh Council for Public Service in Edinburgh Thomas Douglas, Veterans Community Support Manager, Royal British Legion Scotland. For services to Veterans in Scotland Shirley Jamieson, Lately School Crossing Patrol Person, City of Edinburgh. For services to the Safety of Pedestrians in Juniper Green. David Liston Lyle, Musical Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music Margaret McPhillips Manson Founder, Edinburgh Technician Network. For services to the Provision of Sciences in Education in Edinburgh The First Minister 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.' Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country. 'From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.' The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, said: 'I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list, particularly John and Linda Norgrove on their well-deserved OBEs for their extraordinary humanitarian work in Afghanistan through the Linda Norgrove Foundation. Their dedication to improving the lives of Afghan women and girls, born from personal tragedy, exemplifies the very best of Scottish compassion and resolve. 'Communities across Scotland benefit from the extraordinary effort of those honoured. From Dr Richa Sinha Chair of the Scottish Hindu society and their work to tackle Hinduphobia, to Zahrah Mahmood Chair of the Rambling Society to Heather Hall founding The Usual Place in Dumfries. 'I would also like to extend special recognition to Scotland Office's own Moira Vance on receiving her MBE. Moira's unwavering commitment to public service has been instrumental in the work of our department for 44 years, and this honour reflects her exceptional contribution to the people of Scotland. '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.' Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray MP on the terrace at Queen Elizabeth House Picture Alan Simpson Like this: Like Related
Powys County Times
2 days ago
- Powys County Times
N Ireland motorcyclist, war veteran and public inquiry chairwoman honoured
One of the world's most renowned road racers, an astrophysicist and the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland are among those being honoured by the King in his birthday honours. The region also has the oldest person to be honoured on the list, with 106-year-old Second World War veteran Norman Irwin, from Coleraine, in line for a British Empire Medal (BEM). Dozens of people from Northern Ireland have been recognised, including former permanent secretary at the Department of Health Peter May with the Order of the Bath for public service, and Michael Dunlop, 36, being made an MBE for services to motorcycle racing. From starting his racing journey as one of the famous Dunlop family dynasty of Ballymoney, Co Antrim, in 2006, Michael has gone on to become the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT, with 32 wins, and has overall won more than 120 national road races. He said: 'I've spent years pushing through every high and low life could throw at me. No matter the challenge, I've always given everything 100% on and off the track. 'To now be recognised in this way is a privilege beyond words.' Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, 81, originally from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour, and Christine Smith KC, from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, is being made a CBE. Ms Smith said she is 'deeply honoured'. 'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland,' she said. 'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support. 'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry (USI,) and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI), the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (RHI) and in particular the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA).' Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service. Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'.
Glasgow Times
05-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
National Trust's largest lowland peat restoration a ‘powerful step forward'
Wicken Fen in Cambridgeshire, which has been looked after by the conservation charity since 1899, has undergone six months of various works to help secure its future. One task was installing a waterproof liner along 300 metres of a perimeter boundary where water had been escaping, helping to retain moisture in the peat and lock carbon in the soil. The overall scheme spanned 590 acres of lowland peat. Diggers at work on Burwell Fen (National Trust/Mike Selby/PA) Emma Ormond-Bones, general manager at Wicken Fen, said: 'Nature is declining at an alarming rate, and the climate crisis is placing unprecedented pressure on the places and species we care about. 'This project is a huge achievement for the National Trust and a powerful step forward in the restoration of our natural world. 'It's providing the space and conditions nature needs to recover, while also helping to store carbon and make landscapes more resilient to future environmental challenges.' Another part of the project focused on Burwell Fen, which was reclaimed for agriculture during the Second World War and acquired by the National Trust in 2001. A clay bund was constructed and the fen was re-wetted, with rare wetland birds such as cranes and great egrets appearing within hours of the water level being raised. Ellis Selway, peatland restoration project manager, said: 'Watching cranes arrive so soon after we raised the water was a moment I won't forget. 'It made all the effort and planning worthwhile. 'These birds are a sign that wetland life is returning, and fast. 'Seeing nature respond so quickly gives us real hope for the future of this landscape.' New solar-powered pumps are now helping to manage water levels sustainably. A crane on Wicken Fen (National Trust/Mike Selby/PA) The restoration works also unearthed a bog oak which was then dated by the Cambridge Archaeological Unit using tree-ring analysis. The results show the oak began growing in 2,894 BC and lived for 222 years, pre-dating the start of peat formation. The National Trust said the find was older than the stones at Stonehenge. Mark Knight, from Cambridge Archaeological Unit, said: 'This discovery exemplifies that wonderful relationship between depth and time, which comes with exploring the peat fen. 'Traces of past landscapes abound beneath its surface, and what's more, they come beautifully preserved and in clear chronological order.'
