Lisbon Lion and pop star among roll call of famous Scots honoured
Figures from sport, science, politics, and academia recognised
A member of Celtic’s illustrious Lisbon Lions side, a pop singer who topped the charts in the 1970s, and a biodiversity champion who has led the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are among prominent Scots to be recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Jim Craig, the former Celtic defender who was an integral part of the 1967 European Cup winning side, has been made an OBE for services to Scottish football and charity.
The 82 year-old also won 14 domestic honours with his boyhood club, including seven league titles, over the course of 231 appearances.
Craig set up Tommy Gemmell to score Celtic’s equaliser in the famous European Cup final win against Inter Milan. He is one of just three surviving members of that team - the first British side to claim European club football’s highest honour.
Eve Graham, from Perth, who found fame as the singer with the New Seekers, has been made an MBE for services to the music industry.
The band had international success with tracks like ‘I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing’, and were Britain's 1972 Eurovision entry.
Graham, their female lead singer, toured Europe and the US, even performing at Richard Nixon's inauguration ball in 1973.
Others honoured include Simon Milne, regius keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, who receives a knighthood for services to botany, conservation and horticulture.
The former Royal Marine Commando said it was an “immense honour” to be recognised as he prepares to retire.
Sir Simon, who has held the title of regius keeper at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for the past 12 years, said: “My interest in plants dates to the 1970s when, as a child, I helped propagate seeds brought back by my uncle from fieldwork in the Far East and volunteered on a local nature reserve.
“On reflection, these early experiences inspired my lifelong curiosity in nature and commitment to conservation. Receiving this award as I prepare to retire from such an extraordinary community is deeply meaningful.”
Ann Budge, who stood down as the chair of Hearts earlier this month, is made an OBE for service to sport and the community in Midlothian.
The 77 year-old Edinburgh businesswoman, who led the football club out of administration in 2014 and helped galvanise it behind the scenes, said it was a “very nice recognition.”
She added: “When I first got involved in sport I was very much a football supporter who went along on a Saturday and then forgot about it for the rest of the week. So the last 12 years or so have been incredible.
“But one of the things I'm glad that was mentioned is everything we've been able to do for the community which I think is the best of what football can offer.”
Adam Ingram, the former Labour MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow, receives a knighthood for parliamentary and political service.
Sir Adam, who stood down as an MP in 2010, served as Northern Ireland security minister from 1997 to 2001 and as armed forces minister from 2001 to 2007.
When he stood down from that post, he had been the longest-serving defence minister in the history of the Ministry of Defence.
Lorna Dawson, head of forensic science at the James Hutton Institute, has been given a damehood for services to innovations in soil and forensic science.
She said: “I am humbled and delighted on being appointed DBE for services to the innovation and application of forensic soil science.
“This honour recognises the power of scientific innovation, partnership and how forensic soil science can support justice on a national and global scale.
Other Scots honoured in the list include Lady Rae , a senior judge and lawyer, who has been made a CBE for services to the law, charity and education in Scotland.
Professor Sue Rigby, principal of Edinburgh Napier University, becomes a CBE for services to higher education.
Two officials at National Records Scotland are also recognised. Dr Alan Borthwick and Dr David Brown, who has since left the organisation, have been made MBEs in recognition of their work to return stolen documents from the national archives.
Dr Borthwick said: “The letter with the offer of the honour was a genuine surprise. I was very happy to accept.
“It's a tribute to the work of many of my current and former colleagues who supported David and I in checking the collections that might have been affected by the historical thefts.”
Marion Foster, founder of the College of Master Kilt Tailors , has been made an MBE for services to Scottish craftsmanship.
She said: “When I received the letter, I was stunned, it brought tears to my eyes, and I kept rereading it. It was confidential so I have had to keep the news to myself.”
Across the rest of the UK, actor Idris Elba and ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean also feature on the honours list.
Sir Idris, 53, known for his roles in The Wire and Luther, is knighted for services to young people, having founded the Elba Hope Foundation, which supports community empowerment, education, youth advocacy and sustainable development.
Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher, who took home the Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games and saw success at the World, European and British Championships, are made a Dame and Sir for services to ice skating and to voluntary service.
They join other stars who rose to fame in notable partnerships, such as Paul Elliott, one half of the Chuckle Brothers, who is made an MBE, and Matt Lucas, half of the comedic Little Britain duo with David Walliams, who becomes an OBE.
Paula Radcliffe, a three-time London Marathon winner who held the women's marathon world record for 16 years, is made an OBE.
The Kumars At No 42 actress Meera Syal, 64, becomes a Dame and broadcaster Gabby Logan, actor Warwick Davis, and presenter and author Richard Osman are made OBEs.
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