Former chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce recognised in King’s Honours List
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An Inverness business leader is among more than 100 people across Scotland recognised for their service in the King’s New Year Honours List.
Stewart Nicol has been recognised with an Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the economy of the Highlands.
Mr Nicol has been at the forefront of developing the Inverness and Highlands and Islands business communities, most notably in his previous role as chief executive of Inverness Chamber of Commerce.
He also serves as director of Scottish Chambers of Commerce and is a charity trustee of Culloden-Balloch Baptist Church and Kilravock Christian Trust
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This year, 109 people in Scotland have been awarded honours.
They include recipients who have made exceptional contributions to their local communities and the country as a whole.
Mr Nicol said he was "immensely humbled" to have received the honour for services to the Highlands economy.
"I dedicate this award to all the businesses and people that I have had the honour of working with over many decades," he said.
"The award of this honour is absolutely testament to the hard work of the great team at Inverness Chamber of Commerce and colleagues from across the Highland chamber network.
"I strongly believe the chamber of commerce network is uniquely placed to support businesses across the Highlands and Islands.
"All of our teams work tirelessly to connect and represent our businesses to support their growth.
"I remain exceptionally passionate about the economic potential of this region and I am committed to working with partners to champion the Highlands business community and its people to secure its future long term success."
Inverness chamber president Eunice McAdam said the chamber was delighted with the recognition for Stewart.
"He has served the business community with tremendous leadership over decades and has acted as a consistent advocate for the Highlands business community," she said.
Dr Liz Cameron, director and chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: "This is a tremendous accolade for Stewart and a recognition of the importance of the Highlands business community.
"For decades, Stewart has championed the region as an economic force and he leaves a lasting legacy for future leaders to build on."
An 83-year-old, who bagged all of Scotland’s Munros has been awarded the MBE for charitable services in Scotland. Nick Gardner, of Achnasheen, set out at 80 years old to climb Scotland’s 282 Munros in 1200 days, hoping to raise £10,000.
He completed them in 730 days and raised £130,000 which has been donated to Alzheimer Scotland and to the Royal Osteoporosis Society.
More than 100 people walked with Mr Gardner for his final Munro and he has built up more than 15,000 followers on Instagram which he uses to promote awareness of both charities and the importance of the outdoors in managing mental health.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said all those honoured were the pride of the country and an inspiration to all. “The New Year’s Honours list recognises the exceptional achievements of people across the country and those who have shown the highest commitment to selflessness and compassion,” he said.
