Badminton star and community coach Christine McDiarmid Black has been presented with the British Empire Medal in recognition of her dedication to sport and coaching in her community.
The Lord Provost, who is the Queen’s representative for the City of Edinburgh, presented the medal to the Commonwealth Games champion from the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List at a special ceremony at the Capital’s City Chambers.
Mrs McDiarmid Black is celebrated for services to sport in light of her achievements as the driving force behind many female Scottish badminton players and as an inspiration to many more.
The British Empire Medal is awarded for a sustained, local contribution of innovative, high-impact work worthy of recognition by the Crown. Awarded from 1922 until 1992, it was brought back in June 2012 in celebration for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.
Lord Lieutenant Donald Wilson said: “Mrs Christine McDiarmid Black has represented Scotland 546 times, winning bronze medals at European Championships and Commonwealth Games events, as well as countless World and European Veterans Championships medals.
“Not only is she an inspirational role model as a successful badminton player in her own right, but she is a dedicated and passionate champion for sport in Scotland.
“It is my honour and privilege to present Christine with the British Empire Medal on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen.”