Dounreay manager among Scots honoured in King’s New Year list
A long-serving manager at Dounreay has been recognised for his service to the nuclear industry in the King’s New Year honours list.
Graeme Dunnett is among 110 people from across Scotland who have received honours in the 2025 list, published on Monday by the Cabinet Office.
The list also includes Hayley Bangs of Ardgay, who received an MBE for services to the community in the Kyle of Sutherland, Ross-shire and Caithness.
Mr Dunnett, from Thurso, is head of profession – operations and decommissioning at NRS Dounreay. He is awarded an MBE for services to the nuclear industry.
Elsewhere in the north, Michael Jonathan Brett Young DL, of Lairg, gets an MBE for services to veterans and to the vulnerable in Sutherland, while John Goulder, also Lairg, gets a British Empire Medal for services to dry stone walling and to the community in Rosehall, Sutherland.
David Lipp, the father of Wick RNLI coxswain Allan Lipp, received an MBE for services to the RNLI. Mr Lipp senior, of Alness, is chairperson of the Lifeboat Management Group at Invergordon Lifeboat Station.
This year’s recipients have been awarded for their outstanding contributions across all sectors, but in particular community champions and selfless giving are recognised.
The list ensures that people from underrepresented communities and a wide variety of types of work are rewarded, to celebrate the fantastic contribution of people throughout the country.
Recipients from Scotland make up nine per cent of the total number of recipients receiving honours this year.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, said: “Each and every day, ordinary people go out and do extraordinary things for their communities.
“They represent the very best of the UK and that core value of service which I put at the centre of everything this government does.
“The New Year Honours List celebrates more of these unsung heroes, and I thank them for their incredible contribution.”
Speaking as Scots across the country were honoured by the King, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: “I congratulate all Scots the length and breadth of the country who have been honoured by His Majesty the King in his New Year Honours list.
“Many of the unsung heroes in our communities are on the list, including those working to tackle poverty and disadvantage.”
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, you can nominate them at https://www.gov.uk/honours