Oban and Lorn residents receive BEM in New Year Honours list
Two people from Oban and Lorn have been included in The Queen’s New Year Honours List.
Nan Johnstone and Kenneth Alasdair Macdonald have been awarded British Empire Medals (BEMs).
Nan, who is the head of mathematics at Oban High School, received the honour for services to STEM Education and the community in Oban.
And Kenneth, who is known as Alasdair and lives in Connel, was chosen for services to the community in Strathfillan, North Argyll, for his accordion playing.
Speaking to The Oban Times, Nan said: ‘I was stunned, but delighted. A letter came in the middle of November and I have had to keep it a secret.’
Speaking about receiving the letter, Nan added: ‘I honestly was very stunned, completely and utterly. I was not expecting it at all. It took me a while to realise it was me.’
Nan, 59, has been teaching at Oban High School since 1983, when she arrived to do her probation at the school.
Her accomplishments were outlined in the honours document, which read: ‘She is an outstanding protagonist and role model for STEM with her infectious enthusiasm through almost 37 years of teaching.’
‘She developed and implemented many innovative programmes, including Maths across the Curriculum locally, primary feeder schools maths competitions and a highly successful, “How to pass Higher Maths evening”, helping the wider school community.
‘She has adopted several novel and exciting ways to engage pupils and parents in learning about maths, such as maths weeks, with after school events, guest lectures and competitions.
‘She has also made a huge contribution
to the helping and running of Oban High School Pipe Band 2006.’
Alasdair, 82, who spent the majority of his life living in Bridge of Orchy, has been entertaining the community in Strathfillan since 1960.
After retiring to Connel near Oban in 2001, he continued to make at least one 80-mile return journey every week to play his accordion and accompanying hymn singing in three churches in Strathfillan and Inishshale Parish.
He has been doing this for 58 years, since 1960. He still plays at the churches in Bridge of Orchy and Crianlarich - 50 miles away.
The document stated: ‘That is part of his continuing service to the community. His service is a crucial factor in holding the congregations together.
‘For many years he provided entertainment at the Bridge of Orchy Village Hall children’s parties. He plays the pipes on Remembrance Sunday and also at weddings and funerals.’