McCoist honoured in King’s Birthday Honours as another Rangers hero scoops award

SCOTLAND footy heroes Ally McCoist, Graeme Souness and ex-Prime Minster Gordon Brown are among Scots recognised in the King’s birthday honours list.

Strike legend Ally, 61, bagged an OBE for his services to the game, and former Liverpool and Rangers midfielder Graeme Souness, 71, received a CBE for services to football and charity, while  Alan

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Partridge writer Armando Ianucci, 60, got a CBE and the former PM has become a Companion of Honour.

Scientists, sports stars, cops and firefighters and ordinary people are among those awarded gongs.

Historian Professor Niall Ferguson has been knighted and respiratory expert Professor Moira Whyte has received a damehood.

First Minister John Swinney hailed those recognised.

He said: “Those receiving recognition in The King’s Birthday Honours have each made outstanding contributions to community and public life, through the arts, education and sport to business, charity, community life and science.

“Their dedication and commitment makes Scotland a better place for us all.

“The people who have been awarded The King’s Police, Fire or Ambulance Service Medals have shown exceptional dedication and resilience in serving our communities and keeping us safe.

“They deserve our sincere appreciation and thanks for the sterling work they do.”

Professor Ferguson first came to public attention for his Channel 4 series Empire: How Britain Made The World in 2003.

The Glasgow-born academic has written 16 books says the top honour has only been made possible thanks to the support of his family, friends and “formative influences”.

Professor Whyte, head of the University of Edinburgh medical school, earned her title for her services to health research.

Sporting heroes ultra-marathon runner Jasmin Paris, 40, from Gorebridge, Midlothian, and Ryder Cup  winning golfer Stephen Gallacher, 49, from Dechmont, West Lothian, both received MBEs.

John Beveridge, 71, a volunteer who helped restore the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer the Waverley was also given the gong.

And Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, 63, of South Queensferry, near Edinburgh, has been made a MBE for services to the Ukrainian community in Scotland after giving up her job to help raise £5.5million to help refugees.

The fundraiser, whose dad fled the former Soviet state after World War 2,  said: “People who come here are so grateful for what they have been given — they arrived with nothing.

“My problems seem small in comparison.

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“I hope it’s what my dad would have wanted.”

Also being made an MBE is Gerald Lobley, 79, from Kemnay in Aberdeenshire, who has spent 50 years teaching youngsters how to play chess, including teaching a Scottish champion.

The Thick Of It creator Iannucci becomes a CBE for services to film and television.

He said he was “delighted” about the award and takes it as a signal to keep defending public broadcasters from “attacks on independence and funding”.

Police Scotland chief superintendant Catriona Paton and Alistair Cameron, a volunteer  special constable for 26 years, got the King’ Police medal.

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service chief officer Ross Haggart, crew commander Gary Carroll and firefighter Lorraine Taylor got the King’s Fire Service medal.

And Scottish Ambulance Service head of programmes Liam Coughlan got the King’s Ambulance Service medal.

Former Labour leader Mr Brown was hailed for his public and charitable services at home and  abroad.

He said: “I feel slightly embarrassed as the opportunity to serve is an honour in itself and my preference has always been to recognise all those brilliant, unsung, local heroes who quietly and selflessly give their time to contribute to the vitality of our communities.”

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