Honours for janitor and principal

Ian Shand retired after 30 years at Arduthie School

A former school janitor and a university principal are among those who have been honoured in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.

Ian Shand, 65, who retired from Arduthie Primary in Stonehaven earlier this year, after almost 30 years, receives an MBE for education services.

Mr Shand said: "I never thought this sort of thing would happen to me."

Prof C Duncan Rice, the principal of the University of Aberdeen, has been awarded a knighthood.

Mr Shand said his career at the school saw him deal with everything from "bleeding kneecaps" to cleaning up after the children.

He told the BBC Scotland news website of his MBE: "I do not know who put me through for it. It's a great honour."

'Very humble'

He added: "The kids were magic, they were always very polite to me and I was polite to them.

"I think it's only now, with this award, I realise how much I was appreciated at the school."

Prof C Duncan Rice said he was hugely honoured by his award

Prof Rice has been principal and vice chancellor of the University of Aberdeen since 1996.

He was born in the city, and took a first in history at the university in 1964.

He told the BBC Scotland news website: "I feel very humble, I am hugely happy and hugely flattered as an individual."

Allan Masson RVM, a mechanic at the Balmoral Estate, was made a Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO).

There were CBEs for Dr William Gunnyeon, of Ellon, of the Department for Work and Pensions, and Prof George Youngson of Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital, for services to medicine.

Receiving MBEs were Stuart Hay, deputy head teacher of Anderson High School in Shetland, for services to education; Frank Millsopp, of Aberdeenshire, of Community Opportunities for Participation in Enterprise, for services to social enterprise; and William Muir, of North Ronaldsay, for services to the Orkney community.