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Five of the people from across the north of Scotland honoured by the Queen

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Veteran singer Rod Stewart and orbiting British astronaut Tim Peake are among 1,149 people to be acclaimed in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

Other well-known faces to be honoured include Forces’ sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn, TV duo Ant and Dec, actor Brian Blessed and actress Penelope Wilton.

There were also a number of people from the north of Scotland included on the list.

Reverend John Murdo Smith

A minister who dedicated his life to the church in the Western Isles has received a British Empire Medal.

The Reverend John Murdo Smith of North Uist thanked his family and God for the honour – although he said last night he could not think of anything “outstanding” which had led to the recognition.

The 89-year-old spent his time in the ministry serving the communities of North and South Uist, although he was born in Lewis.

Since his retirement in 1992 he is has continued to serve the community by making regular visits to hospitals and to people in need.

He said: “I would not have been able to give such service as I have been able to give without the support of my wife Margaret and with God’s help in providing me good health.

“Without that I couldn’t have fulfilled what I have fulfilled.”

He added: “I cannot think of anything outstanding which would have deserved such an honour.”

Rev Smith lives at Locheport in North Uist with his wife Margaret.

He has two daughters, one son and five grandchildren.

Alexander Ingram

An Aberdeenshire community stalwart said he was “shocked” to discover he had been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).

Alexander Ingram, known as Gordon, has been a well-known face around Aberdeenshire for more than 40 years and has taken part in many local campaigns.

The 72-year-old from Torphins has been involved in a broad spectrum of community life including community council, sports clubs, charity organisations and governing bodies.

As part of the Gordon Renal Dialysis fundraising team, he received an award from Aberdeenshire council.

And his latest honour is not his first royal encounter after he was invited to a royal garden party in recognition of his life in the late 1990s.

In 1990, the former plumber joined Torphins Hospital Action group, which he later chaired, to protect the maternity hospital from closure.

A long-time member of Aberdeenshire Sports Council, he has been a stalwart of Torphins Curling Club since 1968.

Last night, Mr Ingram stated: “People have often said I should be given some sort of award, but you never expect it to happen to you.

“I was told back in January and I was glad I was sitting down when I opened the letter because I was totally shocked.

“I’ve always tried to keep busy because it’s much better than just sitting in front of the TV.

“It’s really nice to be recognised like this.”

Sarah Munro

A Highland woman has been made an MBE after dedicating her life to traditional music and helping children with additional needs.

Sarah Munro, of Evanton, said she “thrilled and humbled” by the honour.

The multi-instrumentalist leads the Kiltearn Fiddlers, aimed at teaching performance skills to young musicians.

She established the group in 1990 and celebrated its 25th anniversary last year.

Her group has performed all over the north, including at the Blas Festival and Inverness Music Festival, as well as at individual ceilidhs and charity events.

They have also appeared overseas at music festivals in France, Sweden, Denmark and Ireland.

With the group she performs under the stage name Alpha Munro.

As well as leading the group, she has also taught school and pre-school age children all over the Highlands in traditional music, with a passionate believe in musical therapy and the “transformative” effect of music.

Mrs Munro lives with her husband Hector Munro. She has three grown-up children and six grandchildren.

She said she would like to thank Gaelic education charity Feis Rois for their support over the course of her career.

Jeanette Robinson

A woman who is a local institution in a remote part of Lochaber has been awarded a British Empire Medal for services to the community in Morvern.

Jeanette Robinson is best known for running the Lochaline Snack Bar, however her efforts do not stop there.

Mrs Robinson, 71, runs the only food outlet in the area, which is a focal point and a popular stopping-off place for locals, scuba-divers, workmen, the travelling public and many others.

Throughout the year she also acts as a unpaid tourist information officer, trip advisor, pier-mistress, dog minder, coast watcher, litter picker, provider of food and help for the emergency services when required.

Speaking about the honour, she said: “It is lovely. I love what I do. The people are so nice. I know I am not an official tourist information service, but I am happy to advise them.”

Mrs Robinson has previously been on the Morvern Community Development Committee and Lochaline Social Club and Village Hall Committees and is still active in the Lochaline Old Pier Association.

She provides an essential service for locals and visitors and is always there to provide for travellers’ and locals’ catering needs.

Jessie Hartley

A pensioner who was a stalwart of an island post office for nearly four decades has been included on this year’s Queen’s birthday Honours List.

Jessie Hartley, from Burra, Shetland, worked as a postmistress at Hamnavoe Post Office for 36 years.

The 70-year-old was also a registrar for 26 years, helping those around her to get married or officially announce the birth of their child.

In recognition of her commitment and passion, she will now be receive a BEM for services to the community.

While proud of her award, the pensioner has admitted she was a bit “embarrassed” when she received the letter breaking the news.

The mother-of-four said: “I was flabbergasted, I was not expecting it at all.

“It’s certainly the last thing I ever thought would happen.

“I’m feeling very proud but a bit embarrassed by it all.

“I was just doing my job, I just like working with the public.”

Mrs Hartley, who is married to Fred, only retired from the post office last July.

And she also had to give up her work as a registrar the year prior when the Shetland registry offices were centralised in Lerwick.

But she says she misses the day-to-day relationship she had with customers.

She added: “I liked working with the public, liked the interaction with people, I always enjoyed it.”