Doddie Weir ‘humbled’ by OBE as he joins Scots bus tycoon Ann Gloag, violinist Nicola Benedetti and Rangers star Gareth McAuley in receiving Queen’s honour
The ex-Scotland star revealed he was 'honoured' as he battles motor neurone disease — and raises charity funds
RUGBY hero Doddie Weir last night admitted he was “humbled” to be awarded an OBE as he battles motor neurone disease — and raises charity funds.
The former Scotland star, 48, set up the My Name’5 Doddie foundation after being diagnosed with the incurable condition last year.
Already he has raised more than £1million to help fellow sufferers and back scientists working to find a cure.
Doddie, of Stow, Selkirkshire, said: “I am humbled and honoured to be recognised in this way.
“To be awarded an OBE for services to rugby, MND research and the Borders community is particularly special as all three are close to my heart.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their ongoing kindness and generosity.”
But the sports hero isn't the only Scot to be receiving a Queen's honour.
Bus firm tycoon Ann Gloag will also be joining than 100 Scots receiving a Queen’s honour this year.
The Stagecoach supremo, who co-founded the transport empire with brother Sir Brian Souter, was made a Dame for services to business and philanthropy.
It comes ten years after Ms Gloag, a former nurse who was already an OBE, set up charity Freedom from Fistula which give free maternity care and surgery to women injured in childbirth in Africa.
Former Scotland rugby star reveals frustration at 'lack of solution' to MND
She said: “I am humbled and grateful to receive this honour. Never in my wildest dreams, growing up in a council house in Perth, did I think this would ever happen.
“I’m pleased the honour mentions my nursing as what I learned as a nurse, dealing with people from all walks of life, helped me succeed in business and has been the cornerstone of my charitable work.”
Former athlete Louise Martin — who played a key role in bringing the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow in 2014 — was made a Dame for services to sport.
And Ayrshire-born violinist Nicola Benedetti added another string to her bow with a CBE for her work in music.
She said: “I am very grateful to receive this honour and hope only to take this opportunity to further my fierce commitment to providing enrichment, inspiration and variation to the education system and communities of the UK.”
Michael Ferguson, regius professor of life sciences and academic lead for research strategy at Dundee University, becomes a Sir after being awarded a knighthood for his services to science.
He helped to build the university’s Drug Discovery Unit which works with international health agencies and pharmaceutical firm to combat illnesses like TB.
The centre has also developed an anti-malarial drug now in human trials.
Prof Ferguson said: “I am thrilled to receive this great honour, but minded immediately that it recognises the efforts of many at the University of Dundee — my home for 30 years and an institution where collaboration and co-operation are truly valued, and where advancing knowledge into solutions is highly-prized.”
Meanwhile, Tourette’s sufferer John Davidson — who featured in a 1989 documentary about the syndrome called John’s Not Mad when he was just 15 — is to receive an MBE for his services to people with the condition.
The list also includes MBEs for ex-headteacher Elaine Wyllie, who founded The Daily Mile to get kids more active in 2012. And Rangers player Gareth McAuley, is being rewarded for services to footie in Northern Ireland.
Nicola Sturgeon has also sent her congratulations to Scotland’s gong winners.
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The First Minister said: “The Queen’s New Year Honours list highlights the exceptional achievements of Scots whose outstanding service and dedication has made a lasting contribution to their communities.”
christine.lavelle@the-sun.co.uk
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