A north-east engineer described himself as “proud” after discovering that he had been named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
William Mackie has spent his whole life working in the fishing industry out of his hometown and has been rewarded with being made an MBE.
The 64-year-old runs his own engineering firm at Peterhead Harbour but, since the age of 15, has been involved with the port’s fishing industry.
He was the former chairman of the Peterhead Harbour Trust and is the current vice convener of the Peterhead Port Authority.
His tenure with those bodies has resulted in him overseeing major changes in the local industry, including a £50million project to deepen the harbour, allowing for larger vessels to make use of its landing facilities.
He was also involved in the £40million project to create a new quay at Peterhead in 2010.
Last night, Mr Mackie, who is known as Bill by locals, said the recognition for his own work was a “privilege”, but that the Honours gong was a testament to the work of everyone involved with the harbour.
He added: “It’s all because of teamwork with the board and staff members at the port authority and my work as well.
“I left school at 15 and have been involved with the fishing industry since then.”
Mr Mackie still lives in the town with his wife, Judith. Together, they have two children, Graeme and Claire, and five grandchildren.
Mr Mackie was honoured by the Queen for his services to the fishing industry.
He was named on the list alongside Strichen woman Christine Sutherland who gained a BEM.
Ms Sutherland was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services in Banff and Buchan.
She is the honorary president of the Banff and Buchan Conservative Association.