Veteran Scottish actor James Cosmo awarded MBE The veteran Scottish actor James Cosmo and record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont are among a host of Scots recognised in the […]

The veteran Scottish actor James Cosmo and record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont are among a host of Scots recognised in the New Year Honours list.

The 70-year-old actor, who has appeared in famous Scottish films including Braveheart, Trainspotting and Highlander, is honoured alongside charity workers, academics and politicians.

“The Queen’s New Year Honours list illustrates the achievements of many exceptional people from across Scotland” The i newsletter latest news and analysis Email address is invalid Email address is invalid Thank you for subscribing! Sorry, there was a problem with your subscription. Nicola Sturgeon

Cosmo, who more recently took on the role of Jeor Mormont in the hit television series Game Of Thrones, was given an MBE for services to drama.

Beaumont, who first broke the record for cycling around the world in 2008, is another well known name on the list. He is recognised with a British Empire Medal.

The 34-year-old receives the award after undertaking a second record-breaking bike trip around the world this year, completing the journey in just 78 days, 14 hours and 40 minutes.

A knighthood is also given to the Very Reverend Professor Iain Torrance, a former moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, for services to higher education and theology.

The 68-year-old, who has been Pro-Chancellor of the University of Aberdeen since 2013, has been credited with fighting homophobia in the church by convening a forum on same-sex marriage.

Lib Dem deputy recognised

Liberal Democrat deputy leader Jo Swinson is also awarded a CBE for her services to political and public life, just six months after she won back her East Dunbartonshire constituency from the SNP.

The 37-year-old was only 25 when she was first elected to represent the area in 2005 and held the seat for 10 years, serving as a junior minister in the Coalition Government.

Also honoured is Susan Rice, the chair of Scottish Water and the Scottish Fiscal Commission, who is given a Damehood in recognition of her services to business, the arts and charity.

The 71-year-old, who described the award as a “source of great pride”, became the first woman to head a UK clearing bank when she was appointed chairman of Lloyds TSB Scotland in 2000.

The more well known names on the list join a host of other Scottish citizens who have been recognised for their work with charities and in local communities.

Among them are Margaret Jamieson, who is still working for a local charity in Orkney at the age of 95, as well as a married couple who have done almost a century of volunteering between them.

Ms Jamieson, who started doing charity work in the 1930s to provide needy people with furniture free of charge, was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community.

Alan and Jennifer McIntosh from Moray also receive BEMs for their work with the Boys’ Brigade. The couple have been involved with the 1st Buckie Company for a combined total of 95 years.

Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon hailed the “outstanding service and dedication” of the wide variety of people who appeared on the list.

“From those who work in the field of education and business, medicine and mental health, to those who promote our country on the world’s sporting stage and on screen, the Honours are a fitting way of celebrating their work,” she added.

Scottish Secretary David Mundell also paid tribute to those who won awards, hailing both the “sporting greats” on the list and the “inspirational local heroes of our communities”.