A LONG-STANDING clerk to the Lord Lieutenant of Tweeddale has been made a Member of the Royal Victoria Order.

Kathleen Mason was bestowed with the honour in recognition of her outstanding service to the Monarch at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace last Tuesday.

Miss Mason has served as Clerk to the Tweeddale Lieutenancy since 1999 when she was appointed by the then Lord-Lieutenant, Sir David Younger.

Alongside her Lieutenancy clerkship duties, Miss Mason also served as Democratic Services Officer with Scottish Borders Council - and previously with the former Tweeddale District Council.

She also served for five years as personal assistant to former Council Convener, Graham Garvie until her retirement from the local authority earlier this year.

Miss Mason has not retired completely from her duties as she continues to serve as the Clerk to Sir Hew Strachan, the current Lord Lieutenant.

Sir David Younger told the Border Telegraph: “I could not have had a better Clerk.

“Kathleen`s meticulous attention to detail, her wide knowledge of Tweeddale and its many strands and activities, her ability to communicate at every level of society combined with her quiet demeanour made her the ideal Clerk and I am truly delighted that her outstanding service has been recognised by The Queen.”

Sir Hew Strachan echoed the sentiments.

He said: “Quite simply, I could not do my job as Lord-Lieutenant without the enormous support and knowledge of Kathleen.

“The people of Tweeddale owe her a huge debt of gratitude and I am thrilled at this well-deserved recognition of her work.”

Kathleen said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been recognised by Her Majesty the Queen. My MVO was presented to me by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge, it was an amazing experience.

“He asked me about my work with the Tweeddale Lieutenancy and said he hadn’t managed to visit Tweeddale yet, I said I hoped he would be able to visit in the near future when he would be made most welcome. The staff at Buckingham Palace are all very friendly and welcoming and put one at ease. I will treasure the memories.

“I am indebted to the Members of the Lieutenancy, for all their support over the years and the award is a tribute to them as well.”