master blender said he hoped his father would “look down” and see him become an OBE for his services to the Scotch whiskey industry.
Known as “the nose” in the whiskey industry and who works for Whyte and Mackay Ltd, Richard Paterson was one of around 70 people to be honored by the Princess Royal at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Tuesday as part of Royal Week.
Many people had been recognized for their services in the past two years, but until now, due to the pandemic, they were unable to attend the inauguration ceremonies in person.
Following in his father’s footsteps as a master blender, the whiskey expert said it was “an amazing achievement” and added: “I wish my father, who was a master blender all those years ago, I wish he maybe you were looking for and be proud of what we accomplished together.”
When asked by the PA news agency what he had in mind to celebrate the occasion, he replied: “A dram will be very important for that, with my family.
“My favorite dram is Whyte & Mackay, Dalmore, Fettercairn, Tamnavulin or Jura, these are all part of my world.”
T20 athlete Owen Miller was also among those honored by Anne.
The Dunfermline-born sportsman has been recognized for his services to athletics after winning a Paralympic gold medal at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Speaking to PA reporters about receiving an MBE, he said: “It was good.
“I was quite nervous, but it was good when I got there.
“I just kept my attitude and confidence.
“I have a great group that keeps me in training, keeps me where I want to be.
“I want to thank my coach and my wonderful husband for helping me and all my family for helping me through the hard times and lockdown and Covid and all types.”
Ross McEwan, former chief executive of the Royal Bank of Scotland Group, was awarded a CBE for his services to the financial sector.
After the ceremony, he said: “When I was told I would be getting a CBE, I said it was always a team effort and the team did a great job turning the bank.”
He said that Alison Rose, the now chief executive, and the team are “running a very good business”, adding: “It has been wonderful to be a part of that and to be here today and receive this award on behalf of many people. to receive”.
Former Head of Nursing for the Scottish Government Fiona McQueen was honored for her services to the NHS.
After being made a CBE, she said: “It was a real privilege to meet and talk to her (Anne) and see her interest in what happened during the pandemic.
“It was really helpful and touching to have that conversation with her, how hard the pandemic had been and the role nurses across the country had played, but not just nurses… all the staff who contributed to it.”
She said the day “also brought a touch of sadness, reflecting and reflecting on what happened and how we got through the pandemic”.
Also in attendance was GP Dr Adaeze Ifezulike, who was honored for his services to the health inequalities of black, Asian and ethnic minorities in Scotland.
“It’s great to be recognized for the work someone has done, it’s an encouragement to do more,” she said.
“It is a great honor to receive this.”
dr. Isabelle Kerr, of Glasgow and Clyde Rape Crisis Center and who has worked in violence against women and girls for the past 40 years, was awarded an MBE for her services to British citizens abroad and victims of sexual assault and gender-based violence.
Speaking of her conversation with the Princess Royal, she said: “She was really interested. She asked about the work I’ve been doing at the Foreign Office, especially the work done abroad to train police officers and so on.”
When honored, she added, “I was surprised, really surprised, but it was really nice to get that work recognized and its value recognized, and that it was noticed.”
Among the individuals to be recognized was James McGoldrick, former United Nations Assistant Secretary-General, Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and Humanitarian Coordinator, for his services to humanitarian aid abroad.