RUGBY legend Doddie Weir and businesswoman and philanthropist Ann Gloag are among the Scots recognised in the New Year Honours List.
Weir, 48, began his professional rugby career at Melrose RFC before going on to play for Scotland and the Newcastle Falcons.
He announced in 2017 that he had been diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) and went on to found the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation.
He is being made an OBE for services to rugby, to MND research and to the community in the Scottish Borders.
He said: “I am humbled and honoured to be recognised in this way. To be awarded the OBE for services to rugby, research into MND and the Borders community is particularly special as all three are close to my heart. We, myself, Kathy, Hamish, Angus and Ben and those involved with the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, have received incredible support from the rugby community and the Borders folk since I shared my diagnosis with everyone in June 2017, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their ongoing kindness and generosity.
“To be included in a list which also sees two other Lions lock forwards recognised, namely former captains Bill Beaumont and Willie John McBride, is a great honour and I would like to congratulate them on their awards.”
Gloag, who co-founded the Stagecoach transport empire with her brother Sir Brian Souter, is made a dame for services to business and philanthropy.
In 2008 she founded the Perth-based charity Freedom From Fistula, which provides free maternity care and surgery to women injured in childbirth.
The charity’s three main projects are in Sierra Leone, Malawi and Kenya.
The former nurse, from Perthshire, founded Kenya Children’s Homes in 2002 and is also involved with hospital ship charity Mercy Ships.
Gloag, who was already an OBE, said: “I am humbled and grateful to receive this honour.
“Never in my wildest dreams, growing up in a council house in Perth, did I think this would ever happen. I am pleased the honour mentions my nursing as what I learned as a nurse, dealing with people from all walks of life, helped me succeed in business and has been the cornerstone of my charitable work.”
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The Queen’s New Year Honours List highlights the exceptional achievements of Scots whose outstanding service and dedication has made a lasting contribution to their communities.”
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