The King’s Birthday Honours 2025

First Minister John Swinney has paid tribute to Scotland’s recipients in The King’s Birthday Honours list.

This year’s awards celebrate individuals making exceptional contributions to public life or their community in keeping with the theme of ‘public service’.  

Professor Ursula Martin has been appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to science and education.

Those being awarded a CBE include Professor Ewan MacDonald OBE, Professor and Head of the Healthy Working Lives Group at the University of Glasgow for services to Occupational Medicine and reducing health inequalities; Professor Julie Fitzpatrick, Chief Scientific Adviser to Scottish Government; and businessman and philanthropist Dr John Watson OBE for services to education and charity.  

Among those receiving an OBE are Lorna and John Norgrove, Co-founders of the Linda Norgrove Foundation for services to Women and Children Abroad and in Scotland; Karen Watt, lately Chief Executive Officer for the Scottish Funding Council for public service and Peter MacDonald, Head of Research for Scottish Tartans Authority is recognised for services to the tartan industry.

Those receiving MBEs include Jennifer Gill, Founder of LoveOliver for services to families affected by childhood cancer, and Alistair Moffat, founder of Borders Book, Lennoxlove Book Festivals and Kelso Arts Festival for services to literature and culture.

Among those honoured with a BEM are the co-founders of Calums Cabin, husband and wife Duncan and Caroline Speirs and Calum's twin sister Jenna, for services to charitable fundraising; Shirley Jamieson, former school crossing patrol person in Juniper Green, Edinburgh and Karen Wylie, Founder of the Grub Club for services to ending hunger in the community in Lochside.

Gary Ritchie, Assistant Chief Constable Police Scotland will receive The King’s Police Medal. The King’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s Volunteer Leader Gerry Ralston, and Watch Commander John Aitchison. Sarah Stevenson, Scottish Ambulance Service Corporate Risk Manager, will receive The King’s Ambulance Service Medal.

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.”

Background
Honours are announced twice annually, in June on the Monarch’s official birthday, and at New Year.