A well-known Nairn man has been honoured with a British Empire Medal for decades of work for charity, music and culture in the Highlands.
In a long and varied career William John Mathieson, better known as ‘John the Prof’, was often able to combine his professional life, his love of music and his charity work.
Mr Mathieson said: “We got the first defibrillator in the area after the Scottish Ambulance service launched a drive to raise money for them, we did dances and raffles and any old thing.”
He was also honoured for his contribution to Highland culture as part of a team in the early days of Moray Firth Radio that brought traditional music to the airwaves.
“Oh absolutely I used to do some of the radio programmes when Moray Firth Radio started back in 1982, behind the scenes and then I did some presenting.”
He said: “I now do my own show called Highland Fling from home, there is a lady who helps me but I do all the editing.”
Mr Mathieson, originally from Spinningdale in Sutherland, has taken to the stage with the likes of Calum Kennedy and has been involved in numerous pipe bands.
Speaking about getting the letter notifying him of the honour he said: “I was gobsmacked with the whole thing, I am telling you – gobsmacked.”
“Absolutely, it was just a tremendous shock because so many other people do exactly the same as me – I want that known. It is overwhelming.”
