Scotland’s rich tapestry of talent and service has once again been celebrated in the annual New Year Honours list, with a diverse group of individuals—from a 1970s pop sensation to a champion of traditional kiltmaking—being recognized for their significant contributions across fields as varied as music, science, law, and community service.
Among the most notable names is Eve Graham, the Perth-born lead singer of The New Seekers, who has been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to the music industry. As reported by BBC, Graham’s voice helped propel The New Seekers to international stardom with hits like "I’d Like To Teach The World To Sing," and the group represented Britain at the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest. Graham's career highlights include touring Europe and the United States, and even performing at President Richard Nixon’s inauguration ball in 1973. Her recognition marks a fitting tribute to a storied career that has left a lasting imprint on British pop music.
The list of honorees extends well beyond the world of entertainment. Simon Milne, who has served as regius keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for twelve years, received a knighthood for his dedicated work in botany, conservation, and horticulture. As he prepares to retire, Milne reflected on the honor, telling BBC, "It is an immense honour to be appointed a Knight Bachelor, the second in 355 years for this truly remarkable organisation." Milne traced his lifelong passion for plants back to childhood experiences, which, he said, "inspired my lifelong curiosity in nature and commitment to conservation."
The scientific community is also represented in this year’s list, with Lorna Dawson, head of forensic science at the James Hutton Institute, being given a damehood for her pioneering work in soil and forensic science. Dawson expressed her gratitude, saying, "I am humbled and delighted on being appointed DBE for services to the innovation and application of forensic soil science." She highlighted the global impact of her work, noting, "This honour recognises the power of scientific innovation, partnership and how forensic soil science can support justice on a national and global scale." Dawson’s efforts have not only advanced her field but have also played a pivotal role in supporting justice systems worldwide.
Politics, too, features prominently in the honours. Adam Ingram, who served as Labour MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow until 2010, was knighted for his parliamentary and political service. Ingram’s tenure included key roles as Northern Ireland security minister from 1997 to 2001 and as armed forces minister from 2001 to 2007. According to The Herald, he became the longest-serving defence minister in the history of the Ministry of Defence by the time he stepped down.
Recognition for contributions to the legal field came in the form of a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for Lady Rae, a senior judge and lawyer, for her services to law, charity, and education in Scotland. Meanwhile, Fergus McCann, former chief executive of Celtic Football Club, was also made a CBE for his services to the economy and charity, reflecting the broad scope of achievements honored this year.
Higher education was not left out, with Professor Sue Rigby, principal of Edinburgh Napier University, becoming a CBE for her services to the sector. Rigby’s leadership has been credited with advancing the university’s reputation and impact in Scotland and beyond.
History and heritage were recognized through the work of Dr Alan Borthwick and Dr David Brown of National Records Scotland, both made MBEs for their efforts to recover stolen documents from the national archives. Dr Borthwick described the honor as "a genuine surprise" and "a tribute to the work of many of my current and former colleagues who supported David and I in checking the collections that might have been affected by the historical thefts." Dr Brown echoed the sentiment, saying, "I was surprised and delighted to receive this honour. It was quite unexpected, and I am very grateful for it. I am very conscious that it also represents recognition of the work of many other colleagues in resolving this historical theft issue."
The preservation of cultural traditions found a champion in Marion Foster, founder of the College of Master Kilt Tailors, who was made an MBE for services to Scottish craftsmanship. Foster shared her emotional reaction to the news, telling BBC, "When I received the letter, I was stunned, it brought tears to my eyes, and I kept rereading it. It was confidential so I have had to keep the news to myself." She spoke passionately about the challenges facing the craft, observing, "One would wonder why the craft of kilt making/tailoring is an endangered craft when there is a huge global demand for the kilt. It’s because the manufactured and ‘off the peg’ kilts are feeding the demand and the kiltmakers supplying the Highland wear shops are a very small part of the end price point. It does not provide a viable livelihood, but it could." Foster hopes her recognition will serve as "a stepping stone to ensure the preservation of our cultural heritage where the unique identity of Scottish craftsmanship would be celebrated and preserved for generations to come."
Beyond Scotland, the UK-wide honours list featured a star-studded array of recipients. Actor Idris Elba was knighted for his work supporting young people through the Elba Hope Foundation, while Olympic ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were made dame and sir, respectively, for their services to ice skating and voluntary service. Other notable honorees included comedian Matt Lucas (OBE), runner Paula Radcliffe (OBE), writer Roy Clarke (knighted), and Meera Syal (Dame). Phil Spencer, presenter of Location, Location, Location, was made an MBE for charitable services, and Betty Brown, at 92 thought to be the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal, was made an OBE for her efforts seeking justice for subpostmasters.
Scotland’s list also celebrated individuals such as Celine Sinclair, CEO of Scottish charity The Yard, who was awarded an OBE for services to children and families. The Yard, as reported by The Herald, supports more than 3,600 disabled children and their families across Edinburgh, Fife, Glasgow, and Dundee. Helen Mark, a broadcaster known for presenting BBC’s Open Country and the Ulster-Scots programme Kintra, was made an MBE for services to broadcasting.
The full list of Scottish recipients includes a broad spectrum of honorees, from medical professionals and educators to conservationists and community volunteers, each recognized for their unique contributions. Among them are Professor Jill Belch for services to medicine and public health, Lynn Brown for policing and public service, and Dr Janet Blake for her work in cultural heritage law.
With such a wide-ranging and diverse group of honorees, the 2025 New Year Honours list stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of service, creativity, and innovation found across Scotland and the United Kingdom. Each recipient’s story offers a glimpse into the many ways individuals can shape their communities and inspire future generations.
