A Lanarkshire scientist says he is proud and humbled after receiving a knighthood in the Queen's Birthday Honours List.
Bellshill -born David MacMillan has forged a stellar career in chemistry which led to him being awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in the field.
He has now been knighted for his services to chemistry after his leading research has been recognised across the globe.
It comes as the monarch celebrates her 70-year reign on the throne, when locals took part in a variety of events to mark her Platinum Jubilee.
A man of passion for chemistry, Sir David is particularly delighted to have received the honour in line with his work.
And despite no longer living in the area, he remains grateful to his humble beginnings and keeps close links with the Lanarkshire community.
Part of this is inspiring youngsters at his former school Bellshill Academy to pursue their academic ambitions.
Speaking on his honour, David said: "Receiving a knighthood from the Queen is an extraordinarily proud moment for me and my family.
"As a working class kid growing up in Scotland, I could never have dreamt of such a thing.
"I am truly humbled to be recognised by Her Majesty as part of the Jubilee celebrations.
"Chemistry has been so so so good to me. My profession, my hobby, my life and my passport to the world.
"I am so lucky to be a part of this amazing field and community. To receive this honour based on contributions to chemistry is just massive to me."
David was born in Bellshill, attending New Stevenston Primary School and Bellshill Academy in North Lanarkshire.
The professor graduated with a degree in chemistry from the University of Glasgow, then completed his Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of California, Irvine.
After completing his postdoctoral work at Harvard University, Dave began his independent research career at the University of California, Berkeley, before joining the faculty at the California Institute of Technology where he was appointed Earle C. Anthony Professor of Chemistry.
Dave is currently the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Chemistry at Princeton University.
His leading scientific research has been recognised across the globe, winning many prestigious science awards, as well as being elected as a Member of the National Academy of Sciences, Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a Fellow of the Royal Society.
And praising David's achievement this week, Uddingston and Bellshill MSP Stephanie Callaghan MSP said: “Dave’s knighthood is so well deserved. His achievements in the complex world of organocatalysis benefits all of humanity and our planet.
"This latest honour confirms yet again that ‘anything is possible’. From Bellshill schoolboy, to Distinguished Professor at Princeton University, to Nobel Prize Winner to Knight Bachelor.
“Dave’s story is inspiring, a powerful illustration of how talent can be nurtured through a combination of loving family, public education, talented teachers and personal determination."
The MSP added: "Having spent some time with Dave, I was struck by how much he loves coming ‘home’ and how close he remains to family and friends in Lanarkshire.
"Despite Dave’s globetrotting life in academia, he remains fiercely proud of his Bellshill upbringing.
“This connection to Bellshill and Scotland is one that I know Dave intends to strengthen. He is committed to maintaining regular contact with his former school, Bellshill Academy, encouraging many more students, like him, to pursue scientific careers.
"Beyond this very personal and local dimension, the May and Billy MacMillan Foundation launched by Dave and his wife Jean and named after Dave’s hugely supportive parents will fund educational opportunities for less advantaged students in Scotland.
"I can think of no better way to illustrate the generosity of Bellshill’s now knighted Nobel prize winner.”
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