13-06-2025
South of Scotland and Cumbria recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list
People from Cumbria and southern Scotland have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.
Among those selected from our region are people who have dedicated their time to community services, sports, performing arts, nature and agriculture.
Professor Vernon Gibson, from Ambleside, is awarded a knighthood for his services to Science and Defence. He served as Chief Scientific Adviser at the MoD on two separate occasions.
Eleven other people have been honoured with CBEs, OBEs and MBEs by the King for their achievements.
Cumbria:
Paul Caldwell CBE, from Carlisle, for services to agriculture and to rural areas in his role at Rural Payments Agency.
Richard Warren OBE, from Workington, for services to Mountain Rescue in Cumbria and the Lake District.
Richard says it's "great to be honoured" for his decades of hard work within the rescue service.
He said: "There's been some really challenging times. You know, dealing with some of the fatalities is really, really desperately sad with the families.
"It's great to be honoured by it, but you know, there's team members out there that do a phenomenal amount of work behind the scenes. I always feel for the team leaders who are up all night talking people off the mountains."
Nicholas Barrett MBE, from Penrith, for services to Outdoor Education in his role at Outward Bound Trust.
James Batchelor MBE, from Kendal, for services to technology for older people in his role at Alertacall.
Douglas Kerr MBE, from Carlisle, for services to aviation heritage as founder of the Solway Aviation Museum.
He said: "It really came as a really big surprise to me, but you know, I'm really pleased. Well, who isn't pleased that they get an MBE? And it's for, you know, the building of and saving aviation for the country, you know, and for the future people to see.
"They said that the Palace will get in touch within six weeks. And then we'll find out where we're going to go, whether we're going to go to Windsor or whether we're going to go to Buckingham Palace.
"I've got to choose it. Is Buckingham Palace better than Windsor?"
John Cairns MBE, from Sedbergh, for services to public transport as founder of Western Dales Bus.
Mark Todd MBE, from Kendal, for services to sailing and to young people in his role at the Association of Sail Training Organisations.
Robert Walker MBE, from Penrith, for services to neurodiversity in his role as Neurodiversity Network Founder.
Jeremy Wilson MBE, from Windermere, for services to indoor climbing as founder of The Lakeland Climbing Centres.
Southern Scotland:
Mariella Marzano OBE, from Peebles, for services to forestry in her role at Forest Research.
Scottish historian Alistair Moffat MBE, from Selkirk, Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, for his services to literature and culture in his role as Founder of Borders Book.
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, says he's "delighted to congratulate all those recognised".
He 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."
