Queen’s honours for fantastic four
Four West Lothian residents have been recognised on the Queen’s New Year Honours List.
The honours system champions diversity at all levels and celebrates the breadth of service given by people from all backgrounds from all across the UK.
This year 1239 people received an award, and 603 were women - representing 49 per cent of the total.
And 803 of the recipients, 65 per cent, are people who have undertaken outstanding work in their communities either in a voluntary or paid capacity.
In West Lothian, Linlithgow woman, Ann McVie, was given the Officers of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
The deputy director for social security policy at the Scottish Government was commended for public service.
Cheryl- Lee Brown from Livingston was given the Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).
This was for services to Children and to Families in Midlothian.
Karen Elliot from Livingston was also awarded the Medallists of the Order of the British Empire (BEM)
Karen is the secretary for the Scottish Area with the Royal Naval Association and Social Secretary, and chair for the Association of Wrens and Women of the Royal Naval Services Edinburgh and District Branch.
She was given the award for voluntary service to Royal Navy Veterans.
A West Lothian man was also commended on the Military Division of the New Year Honours 2021.
Captain Dennis Paterson, from the Royal Regiment of Artillery, was awarded a Queen’s Volunteer Reserve Medal.
Captain Paterson has been a reservist for the past 44 years, and has progressed from private to captain.
Provost Tom Kerr said: “Congratulations to all of West Lothian’s recipients. Ms McVie, Mrs Brown and Mrs Elliot have been honored for their work in helping to better the lives of others, many of whom are the most vulnerable people in our society. I’m delighted for them and their families that they have been recognised, they are thoroughly deserving of such an honour.”
West Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant Moira Niven added: “It’s fantastic to see three outstanding women from West Lothian honoured by the Queen in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List.
“Ms McVie and Mrs Brown have had distinguished careers in both public and voluntary services and are thoroughly deserving of their awards. Mrs Elliot is very active in local voluntary organizations and has played such an important role in supporting Armed Forces charities and support groups throughout the Lothians. I’d like to offer my congratulations to all three recipients on their honours, which are richly deserved for their achievements in West Lothian and across the country.”
“I look forward to meeting Ms McVie, Mrs Brown and Mrs Elliot to congratulate them personally.”