BBC
Jackie Bird gave Scots their evening news for decades.
Broadcaster Jackie Bird, football legend Alan Hansen and Olympic swimmer Duncan Scott are among the Scots chosen for the New Year Honors.
Mr Bird, who hosted the BBC’s Report Scotland program for nearly 30 years, was made an MBE for his services to broadcasting and charities.
Hansen, a former footballer and former BBC pundit, is regarded as one of Scotland’s all-time greats. He played for Partick Thistle, Liverpool and the Scottish national team and was appointed MBE.
Scott’s swimming success at Paris 2024 saw him win eight medals, making him the most decorated Olympian in Scottish history, and he was awarded the Order of the British Empire.
The full list also includes charity fundraisers, healthcare workers, and celebrities in the arts and music.
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Alan Hansen appointed MBE for services to football and broadcasting
Clackmannanshire-born former Scotland international defender Alan Hansen began his senior career with Partick Thistle, joining Liverpool in 1977 and spending four seasons as captain before retiring in 1991.
During his 14 years at Liverpool, he won eight First Division titles, three European Cups and two FA Cups.
He won 26 caps for Scotland and became a pundit after retiring. He worked on the BBC’s Match of the Day from 1992 to 2014.
Jackie Bird worked at DC Thomson, Radio Clyde and The Sun’s Jackie Magazine before joining BBC Scotland in October 1989.
She became the main presenter on ‘Reporting Scotland’ as well as a familiar face on ‘Hogmanay Live’ and the ‘Scottish Children in Need’ programme.
The 62-year-old stepped down as news presenter in April 2019 to become chairman of the National Trust for Scotland in 2022.
“I’m so excited,” she said, “I’m really surprised and excited.
“My first thought was, “I can take my mom and dad to Buckingham Palace.”
honors system
PA media
Ranks commonly given:
Honored Companion – Limited to 65 people. Recipients add the initials CH after their name
knight or dame
CBE – Commander of the Order of the British Empire
OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire
MBE – Member of the Order of the British Empire
BEM – Order of the British Empire
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Duncan Scott wins two more medals at 2024 Paris Olympics
27-year-old Duncan Scott made history by winning four medals at Tokyo 2020. This is the most of any other British athlete at a single Olympic Games.
He won two more medals at the Paris 2024 Games, taking his total to eight medals.
Scott, who grew up in Alloa, became Britain’s most decorated swimmer in Olympic history.
He has previously been awarded an MBE.
Glaswegian football manager David Moyes has been appointed to the Order of the British Empire for services to the Football Association.
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David Moyes has been praised for his long career in football.
After making 540 league appearances as a centre-back for teams such as Celtic and Dunfermline Athletic, he coached at Preston North End before being promoted to manager.
He most recently took charge of West Ham United, leading the club to Europa Conference League glory in 2023 before resigning 12 months later.
The 61-year-old has previously managed clubs such as Manchester United and Everton.
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Ken McCallum was appointed head of MI5 in 2020.
Also on the New Year’s honors list is MI5 chief Ken McCullum, who was knighted.
The former Glasgow University student spent his first years at MI5 focusing on terrorism related to Northern Ireland before specializing in countering Islamic extremist terrorism.
He also led counter-terrorism investigations during the 2012 London Olympics.
“I was speechless.”
Barbara Rae, a painter and printmaker from Falkirk, has been named on the honors list.
Her work has been shown around the world in venues including Chicago, New York, Washington, Santa Fe, Oslo, Hong Kong, Dublin, and Belfast.
The 81-year-old said she was “speechless” when she was informed of the honor.
However, she said she is unlikely to change her job and will continue to work in her studio every day wearing “paint-splattered overalls.”
Paralympic swimmer Stephen Clegg, who grew up in the Scottish Borders, has been appointed an MBE after winning his first gold medal at the 2024 Paris Games.
Gillian Docherty, Chief Commercial Officer at the University of Strathclyde, will become a CBE, as will Professor Richard Williams, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Heriot-Watt University.
Ross Haggart, former chief executive of Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, was also awarded an OBE. He retired earlier this year after 30 years of service.
Former Royal Air Force navigator George Kelly, 101, has been made an MBE for his services to the British Legion and Royal Air Force Veterans.
Prime Minister John Swinney said the list “recognizes exceptional people, from unsung heroes to well-known figures.”
“Each recipient is deserving and has made a significant difference in their community or is outstanding in their field,” he added.
“These honors celebrate the very best of Scotland’s brave spirit and sense of community. My congratulations and personal thanks to all the winners.”
