Four East Lothian residents named on New Year Honours List

Hundreds of people from across the country and beyond were named in the list on Friday morning.

Among those included was Musselburgh’s Professor Peter Hollingsworth, who received a CBE for services to botanical science.

Longniddry’s James Duffy received a MBE for services to children, while Neil Hutchison, of Dunbar, received the same award for services to laboratory engineering.

Finally, Christopher Jamieson, of North Berwick, received a BEM for services to policing.

He has worked as a special inspector for the British Transport Police since 2007.

Professor Pete Hollingsworth (Image: Contributed)

Fifty-five-year-old Professor Hollingsworth has worked at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh for more than 25 years.

Currently, he is director of science and deputy keeper and he said: “I was both extremely surprised and greatly honoured to be notified about the award. 

"I received the letter outlining the award a few weeks ago, just as I was leaving for field work in south west China (which did make it easier to keep the award secret than if I had been at home).

“I work with many inspirational colleagues at the ‘Botanics’ and around the world in the race to understand and conserve biodiversity, and this award reflects many wonderful collaborations and joint efforts.”

Mr Hutchison retired from Roche Diagnostics earlier this year.

The company develops diagnostic tests, instruments and digital solutions with the power to transform healthcare for people across the globe.

The 65-year-old, who worked all over the UK as a senior specialist, lives in Dunbar.

The father-of-two and grandfather-of-three told the Courier it was a “total surprise” when he received the letter through the door last month.

He said: “I think it is probably the crazy hours and things I used to do to get the labs up and running.

“I did what I felt was my job.”

Mr Hutchison felt it was very much a team effort and stressed that he could not have done his work without the support of his family.

Meanwhile, Mr Duffy, 67, attained the rank of Detective Sergeant in the Public Protection Unit for Police Scotland Lothian and Borders, leading a team of officers dealing with child protection incidents, many of a very serious nature.

In a career that spanned more than 45 years, the Longniddry resident spent the final 15 years of his career as a child protection manager, undertaking the same role as he held previously but in a non-warranted capacity, becoming the only child protection manager in Scotland.

He worked with multi-agency colleagues and parents of children at risk to achieve positive outcomes before retiring in November 2022.

Through his skilful management of sensitive situations, vulnerable children and their families were able to contemplate a happier future.

Speaking about the award, he told the Courier: “It was a surprise. I still don’t quite know why I have been given it.

“In my work I worked with a team, we were a team and that is how we got things done. It was no individual achievement.

“I loved my job. It was tough at times but I loved what I did. I worked a lot with police and social work, it was all about putting the kids first.”

Mr Duffy acted as mentor for generations of social workers, police and health agency staff, particularly those at an early stage in their career.

He provided guidance for policy makers and ensured that focus was never lost on child safety during police reform.

In addition, for many years he and his wife were foster parents, providing a home for more than 50 children.

He said: “I am still involved with fostering groups now. You can never really come away from the job completely.

“I still do my part when I can.”