Royal honours well deserved
Two men from West Lothian have been recognised in the New Year’s Honours List.
Thomas Brown was awarded the MBE for services to Scottish traditional music and Olympian Frank Clement was given a BEM for services to athletics.
Mr Brown, 79, from Whitburn is a drummer and instructor at Boghall and Bathgate Caledonia Pipe Band.
His son Gordon is now the lead drummer and his daughter and three grandchildren all play in the band too.
Band president Grant Walker said: “We are naturally extremely proud to learn of Tom’s richly deserved award.
“There are literally thousands of drummers throughout the world who have either received instruction or been influenced by his longterm commitment to the teaching and advancement of pipe band percussion over the last five decades.
“As a leading drummer, composer, arranger and teacher Tom stands out as one of the all-time greats.
“This award represents a tremendous acknowledgement, not only for a very unassuming man and his family but also serves as something that the whole pipe band movement will be delighted to take heart from.”
Lord Lieutenant Moira Niven said: “Mr Brown has had a long and distinguished percussion career, both in terms of playing and performing but also by passing on his wealth of knowledge to future generations through teaching.
“I understand that he has been drumming for the best part of 70 years and teaching for around 50, which is an incredible achievement.
“Thomas has taught generations of drummers and he is hugely respected. He is hugely respected and admired by his fellow musicians and friends. I’m delighted to hear that he shows no sign of slowing down.
“I’m told that he is a very humble man but he richly deserves his MBE.”
Mr Clement, 67, is a founder member of Linlithgow Athletics Club and was an Olympic 1500m finalist, coming fifth at the 1976 Games in Montreal, Canada.
He held the British record at both 1500m and the mile.
He said: “When the official letter came through the post the first thing that came into our heads was ‘is this a speeding ticket?’ so it was a lovely surprise to read the details from the Cabinet Office.
“I love athletics and I’m still very much involved, helping out with the Linlithgow 10k event for a number of years.
“It was the club’s 40th anniversary recently and actually I was one of the original members.”
Provost Tom Kerr said: “Frank had a tremendous career as an athlete, representing his country with distinction in both the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.
“Originally from Glasgow, Frank has long made Linlithgow his home and he has had an immeasurable impact on the local athletics scene.
“From playing a pivotal role in Linlithgow Athletics club to playing a part in organising the town’s annual 10K race and local children’s gala day races, it is clear to see the contribution he has made to athletics in the area over many years and for this he must be thanked. His award is very much deserved.”