A BORDERS man says it is a "privilege" to have been awarded an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours list.

Dr John Reid, chair of the Trimontium Trust in Melrose, is one of three Borderers to be named.

Archibald Jenkins and Adrian Lucas have also been awarded MBEs (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the honours list announced on Friday (June 16).

Dr Reid, who lives in Galashiels, said it is an "honour" to be recognised for his work with the Trimontium Trust in Melrose.

He said: “It’s quite flattering and quite exciting. I was genuinely surprised and wasn’t expecting it.”

The 67-year-old was told the good news about a month ago and said keeping such a big secret was “difficult”.

Dr Reid has been the chair of the Trimontium Trust for 25 years and has overseen important research into the Roman fort site, as well as the redevelopment of the Trimontium Museum.

Moving to the Borders was the realisation of a “childhood dream” for Dr Reid, who has had an interest in the Roman Iron Age since his school days.

He said: “I was first involved with the Trimontium Trust in 1996 but I’ve been interested [in the Romans] from childhood. It’s a long-lasting and all-consuming interest.

“I’m from Lanarkshire but I was always fascinated by the Borders and Trimontium.

“I never dreamt I’d move here, it was almost a childhood dream of mine.”

It was through his work in the NHS that Dr Reid realised his dream when he moved from the central belt to work in Borders General Hospital.

Dr Reid, who is now retired, worked in the NHS for 42 years.

He added that receiving the MBE is not just a win for himself but is a “testament” to the work done by fellow trustees and volunteers with the Trimontium Trust and Museum.

Dr Reid was recognised for his services to culture and heritage in Scotland.

The other Borders recipients, Mr Jenkins and Mr Lucas, were included for their services to charity and to the community in Peebles, and to charity and veterans in Scotland respectively.

Mr Jenkins grew up on the Isle of Bute and worked as a teacher in Peebles before being elected as MSP for Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale in the new Scottish Parliament.

After leaving the world of politics, the 82-year-old joined the steering group which worked towards the founding of Tweeddale Youth Action (TWA).

Mr Jenkins has also assisted with the development of the Eastgate Theatre, the Food Foundation, Peebles Community Council, and Peebles Civic Society, and he has been a long supporter of the Beltane Festival.

Mr Lucas, who is also the Deputy Lieutenant for Tweeddale, has dedicated his life to helping others.

He had a distinguished career in the ambulance service in which he oversaw the Beyond 2000 project – which introduced lifesaving medical dispatch centres in Inverness, Edinburgh and Paisley.

Following the death of his son while serving in Afghanistan, Mr Lucas and his family founded the Alec Lucas Memorial Trust which supports local and national causes.

He has also volunteered as chairman of the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) for the Borders region.