Boyd Tunnock knighted

8 June 2019, 11:42

The man who invented the Tunnock's Teacake has been knighted in the Queen's Birthday Honours.

Confectionery boss Boyd Tunnock receives the honour for services to business and to charity.

He is head of the Uddingston-based firm which produces treats including the caramel wafer, the snowball and the teacake he invented in 1956, which has gone on to become a confectionery icon, with dancing teacakes even featuring in the opening ceremony of the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games.

He is among a raft of Scots from fields including politics, sport and the arts who are recognised in the summer honours list.

Former Labour MP Brian Donohoe, who represented Central Ayrshire until 2015, also receives a knighthood for services to parliamentary and political service.

Shelley Kerr, from West Lothian, boss of the Scottish Women's Football Team, is awarded an MBE for services to football.

It comes as the team prepare to kick off their debut Women's World Cup finals campaign with a clash against England.

They face the Lionesses on Sunday in Nice, and will also take on Japan and Argentina in Group D.

In the field of politics former Labour MEP Catherine Stihler, from Dunfermline, Fife, receives an OBE for political service.

Having served Scotland at the European Parliament since 1999 she stood down in January 2019 ahead of Brexit to take up a new position as the chief executive of global non-profit organisation Open Knowledge International.

David Strang from Edinburgh, formerly Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, receives a CBE for services to law and order.

A man who was an 18-year-old off-duty police officer on the night of the Lockerbie bombing is also honoured.

Colin Dorrance saw the plane crash on the evening of December 21 1988 and was immediately recalled to duty.

Last year he took part in a cycle ride from Lockerbie to Syracuse in the US to mark the 30th anniversary of the tragedy which claimed 270 lives.

The former Police Sergeant picks up an MBE for services to law and order, to the Remembrance of Pan Am Flight 103 and to charity.

People working in the arts and media are also honoured in the list.

Author Theresa Breslin, from Lenzie, who has written more than 50 books, receives an OBE for services to literature, while Robin Ticciati, Principal conductor of the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, is awarded an OBE for services to music.

Meanwhile Shereen Nanjiani, who presents the BBC Radio Scotland weekend panel show Shereen, receives an MBE for services to broadcasting in Scotland.

Earlier in her career she was presenter of STV's main evening news programme, Scotland Today for 22 years.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell said: "Very many congratulations to all of Scotland's honours recipients. People from all walks of Scottish life have been recognised for their contributions to their communities and to our country.

"I could not be more pleased that Boyd Tunnock has been awarded a knighthood.

"Sir Boyd has made a huge contribution to Scotland's economy over many years. His iconic Scottish products are not just much-loved by people across Scotland, but are an international success story.

"Throughout his long career Sir Boyd has made a huge contribution to Scottish life, never failing to stand up for Scotland. There could not be a more worthy recipient of this honour.

"Shelley Kerr's MBE recognises her services to women's football, boosting the success and popularity of the sport across the UK. I look forward to seeing her lead the Scottish team to victory on Sunday in France in their World Cup campaign."

He added: "I offer my sincere congratulations to all the Scots who have been recognised by Her Majesty."