An Aberdeenshire musician said it was an “unbelievable honour” to be awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM).
Alice Dennis was recognised for her services to music in the north-east.
She has been teaching, conducting and performing in the area for 26 years and currently works as musical director of the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society.
The 55-year-old trained at the Trinity College of Music in London and then moved to Edinburgh in 1982 with her husband Jerry.
They had two children and then moved to Tarves in 1990, where Mrs Dennis got involved in local music groups.
She joined the Haddo Junior Choir – which later split into the Haddo Children’s Theatre and Haddo Voices.
After spells as director of both groups she became director of the Haddo House Choral and Operatic Society in 2007.
During her time in charge she entered many choirs into competitions across Scotland, including the prestigious Choir of the Year, and they often came out on top.
Next year she will leave her role at Haddo House to concentrate on teaching and new projects.
She said: “Receiving this award in recognition of all the work I have done here for the past 26 years is an unbelievable honour.
“I was completely shocked to open the letter and it’s been very hard keeping it a secret until now.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the years and those who must have nominated and written references for me – I am so moved by these behind-the-scenes efforts.”