Gordon Highlanders stalwart among Huntly area’s three MBEs on New Year’s Honours List
A figurehead of the Gordon Highlanders, a leading light in caring for cats, and a pioneer of the Doric language are among local faces featured on the New Year’s Honours list.
The list, announced at 10.30pm, includes three inspirational figures with links to the Huntly area.
Major (Retired) Grenville Irvine-Fortescue, from Huntly, has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) for his services to the Gordon Highlanders.
Also serving as Deputy Lieutenant for Aberdeenshire since August 2018, Major Irvine-Fortescue is currently the Chairman, Regimental Secretary and Treasurer of the Regimental Association.
His listing on the New Year’s Honours List pays tribute to the positive impact made by his voluntary work.
Another dedicated Huntly volunteer, Janet Rogers, was also among those recognised.
As a stalwart of Huntly, Keith and Turriff Cats Protection, her “services to cats and wildcats” across the north east have seen her made an MBE.
She is currently the group’s branch coordinator.
Speaking to the Huntly Express in 2019, she said: “Our volunteers gain a great deal of satisfaction helping cats get a second chance in life.”
Gordon Hay, who grew up in Inverkeithy, has been made an MBE for his “services to the promotion of the Doric language”.
The founder of the Doric Board, Mr Hay completed a translation of the Old Testament into the language in 2023 - after completing the Doric New Testament in 2012.
Now living at Longside near Peterhead, he is the choirmaster of Longside Parish Church.
Scottish Secretary Ian Murray praised the contribution of the country’s honour recipients, including a large number of “unsung heroes”.
He added: “I congratulate all Scots the length and breadth of the country who have been honoured by His Majesty the King in his New Year Honours list.”
