Honours come to both Kingussie and Aviemore
Badenoch and Strathspey each feature in today’s roll of 2025 King’s Birthday Honours.
In Badenoch, Angus John Tulloch is cited for his services to music.
The founder trustee of the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust has owned Old Milton House just outside Kingussie, between Ruthven Barracks and Insh for 12 years.
Mr Tulloch founded the East Lothian Pipes and Drums Trust in 2007 to give county youngsters the chance to learn piping and drumming at school, filling a gap in the local council’s offering.
Then 10 years ago the organisation became the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust and now works nationwide setting up piping and drumming school programmes in areas where the local authority don’t offer lessons in Scotland’s national instruments.
The former investment manager said the award was for everyone involved in the trust: “I was genuinely surprised but very grateful at receiving such an honour.
“My association with the Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust has been hugely enjoyable and rewarding, but only because so many other have contributed to its success — fellow trustees, trust and pipe band administrators, school headteachers and their staffs, council officials, piping and drumming instructors, piping and drumming pupils - and their parents/carers too…
“This award is happily shared with every one of them.
“It has been very much a collective effort by many individuals and groups who share a vision to develop pipe bands in state schools across Scotland. SSPDT consider the social benefits of playing in pipe bands to be every bit as important as the musical ones.
“The initiative includes various projects across Scotland with an annual Championships held in Kilmarnock. Of particular significance in the North of Scotland is our work with Moray schools. Here alongside Moray Council, parents and carers — the Trust is now helping deliver a tuition programme in the area involving very many pupils.
“We look forward to seeing Moray schools feature in future national championship events.”
SSPDT Chief executive Lindsay MacKenzie said she was delighted Angus’ huge contribution had been officially recognised: “Thousands of young people across Scotland have been given life enhancing opportunities thanks to Angus’ vision and drive.
“The trust has also made a huge contribution to ensuring the health of the pipe band scene in Scotland by offering quality tuition in schools where the council has not been able to.”
As well as teaching the trust has a library of 500 sets of pipes that are offered on free loan whilst youngsters are learning and then they are given the chance to buy their pipes at a discount.
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The Scottish Schools Pipes and Drums Trust have posted their joy at the news:
“We’re incredibly proud to share that our founding Trustee, Angus Tulloch has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his outstanding contributions to music.
“This honour is a testament to Angus’s vision, dedication, and the impact he continues to make through SSPDT and beyond.
“Please join us in congratulating Angus on this well-deserved recognition!”
In Strathspey, Aviemore’s Kat Heathcote, commercial director at Witherby Publishing Group, has been made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to the People of Scotland.
“I am honoured and humbled to receive this recognition,” she told the Strathy. “It reflects the hard work and dedication of so many inspiring individuals and organisations I’ve had the privilege to support.
“My passion lies in helping individuals realise their potential and supporting them on that journey. Championing youth across Scotland, particularly in the areas of arts, sport and education, has been a central focus.”
The entire Witherbys team congratulated her on “this well-earned honour and celebrates the incredible legacy she continues to build in business, community and culture.”
Originally from a low income family in South Wales, she benefitted enormously from the open access to a musical education that Mid Glamorgan offered in the 1970s.
Citing it as an enabler to future success through the confidence and discipline it inspired, it has become a fundamental driver in her belief that universal access to arts, sports and other areas where excellence can provide more opportunity is key.
After a career that started in London, she effectively moved to Scotland in 1997, commuting between Cumbria and Edinburgh. In Cumbria she found time to sit on the Board of a Housing Association and to undertake pastoral work with young offenders - both way more satisfying than the day job!
In 2004 she met her now husband, Capt. Iain Macneil MNM,DUNIV and joined him in his business, Seamanship International, which went on to become Witherby Publishing Group after making an acquisition.
In 2011, and after discussion with fellow Directors on the principles for which they wished to be known, she co-founded the profit-funded Witherbys Charitable Trust and has served as a trustee ever since.
To date, the Trust has donated over £1.8 million to projects across Scotland, with a focus on supporting young people from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds, primarily providing equal access to the arts, sport and science.
Under Kat’s leadership, the Trust has also supported major cultural organisations including the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, St Mary’s Music School, Scottish Opera, the Benedetti Foundation, Live Music Now Scotland and the Nevis Ensemble.
In sports many of the awards have been given to individuals, enabling them to participate at national and international level. A long-time supporter of Scottish cricket - and a qualified umpire and scorer - she is a particular champion of the women’s game.
She worked hard to get them access to tournaments and games in the early years and is delighted to now see their success on the international stage.
As a passionate advocate for education, Kat Heathcote MBE has driven support for schools and youth-focused charities. In addition, and in recognition of the specific needs of Highland and remote island communities, she and Iain, who hails from the Island of Barra, set up a significant long term support package to the University of Highlands and Islands, which is used for scholarships, bursaries and the promotion of the opportunities the UHI presents.
Beyond her charitable work, Kat plays an influential role in Scotland’s cultural and maritime sectors. She is a current member of the board of the RSNO and has previously served on the boards of St Mary’s Music School, Cricket Scotland and the Scottish Maritime Cluster.
As co-owner of Witherby Publishing Group, one of Scotland’s most historic and successful publishing companies, Kat helps shape the company’s strategic and commercial direction. Celebrating its 285th anniversary in 2025,
