CUMNOCK and Doon Valley natives were among the Queen’s Birthday Honours List published on Saturday.

Frank McHugh from Dalmellington was made a Medallist of the Order of the British Empire (BEM) for services to the scouting movement and the community in East Ayrshire.

It was a tough ask to keep it a secret from his friends and colleagues after the letter dropped in on May 5 — his 74th birthday.

His honour is the latest in a series of accolades he has earned since joining the cubs as an eight-year-old.

At 18 he became a Queen’s Scout, the highest rank for a boy before becoming a leader in 1974.

Then, in 2010, he was presented with The Silver Wolf, which is the highest award made by The Scout Association for ‘services of the most exceptional character’.

He said: “So many people have been congratulating me while my niece informs me that social media is also full of good wishes.

“But two special people were my backbone for many years and I could not have done without their backing — my partner, Catherine Hanlon, who passed away from a brain tumour in 2015 and my mother, Mary McHugh, who died in 2010 aged 98.”

Duncan Stewart, originally from Cumnock received a Royal Victorian Medal (RVM) in the list for services to the Queen and Balmoral Estate.

Employed as a first gardener, he has been working on Balmoral estate for 17 years, having previously worked for Cumnock District Council.

His proud wife Emma said: “He does seed sowing and grow all bedding, vegetables, cut flower and annual glass house plants.

“He also organises the vegetable garden and general maintenance of the grounds. All the vegetables and cut flowers are used in the castle during the Royal Family’s visits.

“His entire family live in Cumnock and are incredibly proud of his hard work and dedication to Balmoral Estate and the Royal Family.”