Two Highland women will receive the British Empire Medal for voluntary service to their communities.
Mary-Ann Henton, of Muir of Ord, was nominated for her long service to shinty, including 40 years with Lovat Shinty Club.
And it could be a double celebration for Mrs Henton, as her team will contest the MacTavish Cup on June 21.
She said yesterday that she had held every position at the club from tea lady to her present role as treasurer.
Mrs Henton said: “I feel very honoured. I have no idea who put me forward.
“It’s all a bit of a shock.”
Her husband Jackie is also a former player.
She said that she got involved when they were courting and she had been “hooked” ever since.
As well as her long involvement with Lovat, she is also a former disciplinary secretary of the Camanachd Association and now sits on the disciplinary committee.
Jennifer Abbott, 69, of Nairn, was put forward because of her voluntary work for several community groups in the seaside town.
These include the school board and parent-teacher association at Millbank Primary School. She is also a former director of Nairn Red Cross, and the current chairwoman of veteran’s charity Erskine.
And Mrs Abbott, a former nurse, is the junior golf convener of Nairn Golf Club.
She said last night: “I was astonished to get the letter.
She said that she and husband Peter moved to Nairn 41 years ago when Mr Abbott was stationed at RAF Kinloss, where he flew Nimrods. The couple have two children, Jamie, 34, and Susie, 25.
She said: “I wanted to give something back because community is so important and Nairn is just the greatest place on earth.”