A Limekilns woman who has served as the Chief Commissioner of Girlguiding Scotland has been honoured for her services to young people.

Sue Walker (61) - a retired chemical engineer, ultra runner and Brownie leader - has been awarded an MBE in the King's New Year Honours.

Sue has served as a trustee, ambassador and Chief Commissioner for Girlguiding Scotland, while maintaining her role as 1st Limekilns Brownie leader.

She promoted the necessity of updating the Promise to show the movement welcomed girls of all faiths and none, soothing objections and smoothing the way for the change to be accepted.

Her strategic vision also highlighted the necessity for a review of the county structure of Girlguiding Scotland. She oversaw the introduction of a programme to strengthen governance within the counties, giving clear guidance on what was expected of them, as well as resources and support to implement the changes required.

Once the counties agreed to proposed mergers, she supported and steered them through the merger process and provided help and support thereafter as required. The mergers were successfully completed and are already seeing clear benefits.

She has also empowered and encouraged the younger generation to volunteer in other trustee and governance roles within Girlguiding.

Her commitment to Girlguiding, which began when she joined the Brownies at the age of seven, saw her receive the organisation’s top honour, the Laurel Award, for outstanding service in 2017. 

When receiving her award, Sue spoke of her love of Girlguiding and the privilege of working with so many wonderful volunteers and staff, helping provide fun and adventures for as many girls as possible.

She said: “Since joining as a Brownie, Girlguiding Scotland has given me so many opportunities to develop my own skills, take on new adventures and make life-long friendships – all while empowering girls and young women to do the same.”

Also included on the King’s New Year Honours list are Sam Young, for services to the community of Dunfermline; Elizabeth Smith, MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, for services to sport; Dr David Clark Watt, Chair of the Fife College board, for services to the economy, sport and education; and  John Minhinick, lately chair of the Fife branch of Parkinson's UK, for services to people with Parkinson's Disease in Fife.