Three Scots emergency responders have spoken of their joy at being awarded a King's Medal in the New Year Honours.
Firemen Alan Aitken from South Lanarkshire and Robert Strang from Argyll and Bute were given the King's Fire Service Medal. Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) officer Wendy Bathgate from East Lothian was also awarded with a King's Ambulance Medal.
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service pair were awarded for 'long and distinguished' services in their communities and Senior Project Officer Wendy helped to establish the SAS Benevolent Fund.
Wendy has been with the Ambulance Service for 35 years and is a trustee of the Benevolent Fund, a charity providing support for SAS staff members and their families.
She said: "It is an honour to be praised personally for my work with SAS over the years and to see the efforts of Service support staff recognised in such a major way. The SAS support staff have worked tirelessly to respond to the challenges Covid has brought and to coordinate the delivery of vital services and I am privileged to work alongside them.
"Times have been incredibly tough on us all and I am proud to be part of such a resilient and dedicated team of people who have overcome many challenges to ensure that crucial support is provided.
"SAS staff work under considerable pressure and go above and beyond in their duties to the Service. The Benevolent Fund provides additional support in times of personal hardship for its members. It is our duty as a Service to look out for the staff that are instrumental in sustaining it.”
Robert Strang started his career with the fire and rescue service 38 years ago. He continues to combine his on-call role with his job as groundskeeper at his local golf course.
He said: "I've been in Carradale all my life, born and bred here. I never thought I would ever receive something like this and I'll wear the medal with pride.
"I was over the moon when I found out and it was quite emotional reading the letter confirming the award. My family, colleagues and people in the community will be very proud too."
Watch Commander Aitken, who's served for 34 years, said: "It's an honour and, to be quite truthful, my wife and family deserve it more than me for what they've put up with over the years, especially when you're getting ready to go to family parties or weddings and you're late because you're on call.
“The crews I've worked with throughout my career are also a part of this too. I just love the job and helping people in my own community.”
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