The first female Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland has been made a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.

Dr Alison Elliot, the former Associate Director of the Centre for Theology and Public Issues at the University of Edinburgh, received the honour for public service, which has included being a a member of the Christie Commission looking at the delivery of Scotland’s public services, convening the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations and chairing the Land Reform Review Group.

Dr Elliot, who was Moderator in 2004, said: “I’ve been tremendously lucky in the chances that have come my way to get involved in worthwhile activities with some remarkable people.

“I’ve enjoyed my work and seen it as a privilege, so to be awarded a CBE for it is a real bonus.”

Also in the Honours List, which marked the Queen’s 92nd birthday, there were several awards for services to the uniformed organisations in Scotland.

Diane Ross of Edinburgh was made an MBE for services to the Scouting movement and community in Edinburgh. Diane has been involved with the Scouts and Cubs since 1963, and is currently leading the group at Blackhall St Columba’s Parish Church, where she is a member. She said: “When I got the letter from St James’s Palace I actually thought it was a hoax and phoned them, and after a few questions the gentleman said ‘Madam, I can assure you it’s true’. It’s a great honour.”

Her ‘career’ with the Cubs has included stints as District Commissioner and Deputy District Commissioner. “I have made lots of good friends, worked with lots of nice people, and the kids are absolutely wonderful,” she adds.

Sandra MacDonald, captain of the 34th Glasgow Girls’ Brigade, was also made an MBE for services to the Brigade and Govan and Linthouse Parish Church. She said: “I was absolutely shocked when I received the letter.

“I was home alone at the time and I just sat down and cried.

“It was a nice shock, quite overwhelming really.”

Katherine McMath, County president of Girlguiding West Lothian, was made an OBE; and there was a BEM for Jenny Gray for services to the Scouting movement and the community in Newmachar and Aberdeen. Mrs Gray, a member of New Machar

Parish Church, has been involved with the Scouting movement for over 45 years, having set up the Cub Pack in the village. She has also been active in community life, organising concerts for good causes and campaigning for bus services.

She said: “When I got the letter I didn’t know what to do. I phoned my daughter-inlaw and asked her to come up and we read it together. I couldn’t believe it was happening to me.”

*If you know of anyone with a Church of Scotland connection named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List, please contact us on magazine@lifeandwork.org