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A week of celebration: Orkney woman turns 95 and appears in New Year Honours list

Rita Jamieson
Rita Jamieson

Rita Jamieson, 95, has received the British Empire Medal for services to the Community in Orkney as part of the Queen’s New Years Honours.

On hearing news of the award, Mrs Jamieson said: “This is a wonderful honour. I never expected anything like this would happen to me. I just try my best to help people and provide services that the community needs. I am really humbled that I was felt to be deserving of an award.”

Asked how she planned to mark the announcement, she added: “I have already had my 95th birthday this week, so I think we might just keep celebrating – then I must get planning for next year.”

Mrs Jamieson founded the legendary Blue Door charity shop based in Kirkwall, which acts as a base for a wide range of island charities and support groups.

Her philanthropic approach started between the World Wars and it is said there is nobody in Orkney whose life has not in some way been touched by the help that she has given.

She has been responsible for imaginative and unstinting charitable work over many decades.

Mrs Jamieson’s great-nephew, Craig Spence was with her when she received news of the award.

Mr Spence said: “I can’t think of anyone more deserving of recognition for what she has done. So many people in Orkney have a story to tell of Rita’s kindness or what she has done for them. She has made a real contribution to Orkney over her life as an employer, businesswoman, friend and mentor – and she still tells us she has more plans!”

2018 will mark her being in business in Kirkwall for 70 years. She still owns J&J Smith, a draper and craft shop, now trading out of the Tree Shop in Albert Street.