A new portrait of The Queen has been released mark the beginning of the #PlatinumJubilee Celebration Weekend.
The photograph was taken by Ranald Mackechnie at Windsor Castle on 25 May. Captured in the background are the Castle’s Round Tower, and the statue of King Charles II which stands in the Quadrangle of the Castle.
HM Queen Elizabeth II issued a statement:
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in convening communities, families, neighbours and friends to mark my Platinum Jubilee, in the United Kingdom and across the Commonwealth.
“I know that many happy memories will be created at these festive occasions. I continue to be inspired by the goodwill shown to me, and hope that the coming days will provide an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved during the last seventy years, as we look to the future with confidence and enthusiasm.”
The Spartans Chief Executive Douglas Samuel is among Scots to receive an Honour to mark the Queen’s Brthday in Platinum Jubilee year.Dougie is awarded an MBE.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has paid tribute to the recipients in Scotland in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
Among those receiving Knighthoods are Professor Sheikh Aziz, for services to COVID-19 research and policy; James Nicol Walker, for services to the food industry and author Ian Rankin, for services to literature and to charity. Professor Sally Mapstone will receive a Damehood for services to higher education.
Jacqui Reilly, Professor of Infection Prevention and Control is among those being awarded a CBE, for services to Healthcare and Public Health.
British Olympic Curling captain Eve Muirhead is amongst those receiving an OBE, while her team members have been honoured with MBEs.
Those receiving MBEs include Julie Young for services to dance, Walter Smith for services to youth enterprise and Chloe Lawson for services to vulnerable and disadvantaged young people
Rhona Gibson and William Dove are among those honoured with a BEM.
Irene Ralston, Superintendent, and Stephen Tanner, Police Constable, will receive The Queen’s Police Medal. The Queen’s Fire Service Medal will be awarded to Roy Dunsire, Group Commander, John Fraser, Firefighter and Stevie Maybanks, Crew Commander of the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service. Donna Baillie, Resilience Manager of the Scottish Ambulance Service, will receive The Queen’s Ambulance Service Medal.
The First Minister said: “The Queen’s Birthday Honours list illustrates the outstanding contributions of the people of Scotland who have made a difference to their communities, throughout the country and beyond. It is particularly pleasing to see their work recognised in this year of celebration in honour of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
“From those who contribute to the creative industries, communities and charities, to those who have excelled in the field of science and medicine, the Honours highlight their exceptional service to the people of Scotland. I am delighted to see Scotland’s athletes who were outstanding during both summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo as well as the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Beijing, so well represented.
“I am also pleased to see that those individuals who worked against the coronavirus pandemic, its far reaching impact and those working for our recovery, have been recognised. I know we are all incredibly grateful for their selfless actions and it’s right that their outstanding efforts have been acknowledged in this way.
“I also want to extend my congratulations to those personnel who have been awarded The Queen’s Fire, Police or Ambulance Service Medals. Our emergency services have displayed incredible fortitude throughout the pandemic, and deserve our continued appreciation for keeping people and communities across Scotland safe, every day of the year.”
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack said: “In the year of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, my whole-hearted congratulations go to all those across Scotland who have been recognised for their extraordinary public service. They truly exemplify the dedication, ambition and generosity of spirit that has defined the Queen’s 70-year reign.
“We were all gripped by the Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Beijing, as our curlers swept to gold and we topped the podium in Alpine skiing. Eve Muirhead is awarded an OBE, while the rest of the team get MBEs, along with Alpine skier Neil Simpson and his brother and guide Andrew.
“One of Scottish literature’s most recognisable names, Ian Rankin’s knighthood is richly deserved; his Inspector Rebus novels have kept us in entertained and in suspense for decades.
“It’s great to see recognition of Scotland’s fantastic food and drink. James Walker of Walker’s Shortbread is being knighted, and OBEs are given to Ian and Michael Urquhart from the family-run Gordon and MacPhail whisky company.
Honours also go to those whose dedication and resilience helped make Glasgow’s hosting of COP26 safe and successful, including a well-deserved knighthood for Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone.”
