RECIPIENTS FROM SCOTLAND IN HM THE KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST
Source: gov.uk (2025-06-12)

Over 110 people from Scotland who have contributed to their community and country are celebrated in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List 2025 today.

1215 recipients in total have been awarded for their exceptional achievements, with a particular focus this year on those who have given their time to public service.

This year’s recipients include dedicated 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.

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 Lorna 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.

Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, go to https://www.gov.uk/honours to find out more about how you can put them forward.

Notable recipients across Scotland include:

Zahrah Mahmood from Glasgow who at 34 receives an MBE for voluntary service. She is the president of Ramblers Scotland and known as ‘The Hillwalking Hijabi’ for her work addressing the barriers faced by ethnic minorities and providing practical advice to beginners, demonstrating her commitment to making the outdoors accessible to all.

Duncan, Caroline and Jenna Speirs from Argyll and Bute who each receive a BEM for services to charitable fundraising. They provide holiday homes for children with cancer through Calum’s Cabin as well as flats in Glasgow close to cancer treatment centres, allowing families from across the country to stay together in welcoming, home-from-home surroundings during extended periods of treatment. The idea was inspired by their son, and Jenna’s brother, Calum, who passed away from a brain tumour.

Scottish historian Alistair Moffat from Ettrick and Lauderdale receives an MBE for services to literature and culture. He is the author of more than 40 books on Scottish history and played a prominent role in the creation of The Great Tapestry of Scotland. He also founded the Borders Book Festival, one of the most highly regarded literary festivals in the UK.

Paula Mary Daly from Ayrshire and Arran who receives an MBE for services to Fishermen and their Families. Paula manages the Fishermen’s Mission’s regional centre in the Port of Troon where she works to connect the isolated and marginalised with the services they need.

Monty Cowen from Giffnock, who at 92 receives an MBE for services to the Jewish Community. He assisted with the merger of the synagogue in Giffnock to a bigger building now known as Giffnock Newton Mearns Hebrew Congregation, is Honorary President of the Glasgow Hebrew Burial Society and is actively involved with the Association of Jewish Ex Servicemen and Women.

ENDS

Notes to editors:
- Anyone can nominate someone for an honour here: https://www.gov.uk/honours.
- If you would like to interview a member of one of the honours committees about increasing representation from your area, please contact the Cabinet Office on xxx@xxx.xx