Moray MP Douglas Ross says he is “absolutely delighted” that community stalwarts in his constituency have been recognised in King Charles’ first birthday honours list.
Former Moray Council leader George Alexander has been a made an MBE. George, who is one of Forres most well-known faces has lived in the town for over four decades and was also a founder of the Forres Heritage Trust.
As well as teaching at Forres Academy, with Douglas one of his former pupils, George remains an active supporter of the Forres Activities Association, organises the tri-annual Forres Scottish week and the annual Forres Youth concert. He also helped to bring the European Pipe Band championships to the town.
Lossiemouth’s Liz Tait has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) after volunteering all across the world for the Red Cross for the last five decades.
This included a volunteering effort as Her Majesty The Queen lay in state as part of Operation London Bridge, where she supported members of the public queuing to see the late monarch.
Also receiving awards were Forres’s Albert Duffus who was awarded a BEM for services to boxing, veterans and charity in Moray as well as Aberdeen and Inverness-shire. Back in 2021, Albert – who is a former serviceman – received the Poppy Scotland President Award for his extraordinary fundraising efforts.
Finally, Elgin-based Mary Byatt received a MBE for services to education, arts and charity in Moray.
Douglas says all the honours are “richly deserved” and will be “warmly welcomed” by people across his constituency.
He added that there “will be a great sense of occasion” when each of the recipients officially receive their honours from a member of the Royal Family in due course.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “Well-known figures often grab the headlines when it comes to Royal honours, but it is always fantastic to see community champions in Moray rightly reward too as part of the honours list.
“The King’s first birthday honours are no different with four worthy recipients across Moray, for the tireless work they have done in their respective fields.
“I am absolutely delighted that George, Liz, Arthur and Mary have all been recognised and I know that their awards will be warmly welcomed across Moray.
“In their respective fields, they’ve become known for going above and beyond for their communities and they have all done a tremendous amount for our area.
“There will be a great sense of occasion when each of them officially receive their honours in due course and I look forward to seeing a member of the Royal Family bestow honours upon each of them.”