OBE for prisons stalwart

Bridge of Allan woman Annette Dryburgh, who for decades worked at Cornton Vale Prison, has been awarded an OBE for her services to women offenders.

Mrs Dryburgh has spent the last 33 years working in a number of different roles for the Scottish Prison Service.

She started her career as a prison officer at the Stirling prison before being promoted to line-manager roles at Edinburgh and Shotts.

She then took up a senior role heading up the women’s strategy team for the Prison Service a number of years ago.

In this role she is responsible for looking at the creation of a new custody facility for women and providing services which recognise their risks, and pathways in and out of offending.

It was revealed at the weekend that Mrs Dryburgh would be awarded an OBE as part of the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

And those from the Scottish Prison Service paid tribute to the professionalism she has shown in her work down the years.

A spokesperson said:“Annette is an outstanding prison officer and an outstanding manager who is really well respected by her colleagues.

“We’re delighted that she has been recognised for this honour for her work with women and with the prison service over the years.

“She sets a fantastic example to younger staff.”