Public honoured in New Year list

The recipients were named as part of the New Year Honours

Community workers, teachers and volunteers are among those in the Tayside and Central area to have been recognised in the New Year Honours.

Stirling based author and professor Sara Carter was made an OBE for services to women entrepreneurs.

There were also OBEs for Lui On Lee for services to the Chinese community in Forth Valley and Alex Stephen, the chief executive of Dundee City Council.

Art worker Sarah Chester from Kippen, near Stirling, was made an MBE.

The 62-year-old was central to the success of the Artlink Central charity which now operates as a flagship cultural body.

It was set up in 1988 to provide projects for those with special needs, including inmates at Cornton Vale women's prison.

'Being acknowledged'

Garry Watts, of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, was recognised with an MBE for services to healthcare.

Teachers Isobel Mauveen from Angus, Margaret Fish from Alloa and Donna Hindmarch from Coupar Angus, were each made an MBE for their contributions to education.

Mr Stephen, who has worked in local government in Dundee since 1970 while coping with chronic kidney problems, said he was "very pleased".

He added: "As a Dundonian working for my home city for 39 years, I am delighted my service to local government is being acknowledged with this honour."

Mr Stephen thanked his family and staff in the renal unit at Dundee's Ninewells Hospital for looking after him during the past 20 years.

He added: "During this time, I have had spells of kidney dialysis and two kidney transplants. Without their care and support I would not be here today to receive this honour."