2008 New Year's Honours

Bill Clement ofThornhill, Dumfries-shire was recognised for services to piping and Scottish country dancing. He joined the RSCDS in 1947 and was on the Summer School staff teaching country and Highland dancing for over forty years. He piped and danced for the International Team throughout Europe and later taught piping and dancing in Japan, Australia and North America. He was RSCDS Chairman from 1996 to 1998 and masterminded the Society's 75th Anniversary celebrations. The award came as a complete surprise. He told Scottish Country Dancer, "I was delighted to receive this great honour especially as I have had so much pleasure from all my teaching, and piping and dancing have been so much part of my life. Many pipers have received an MBE over the years, but I think this is the first time that an Honour has been given specifically for services to Scottish country dancing."

Peggy Spouse of Duns, Berwickshire was recognised for services to the community. She received news of the MBE award on her birthday prompting double celebrations. Peggy was a founder member of Duns and District RSCDS Branch in 1953 and her work for the Society was recognised by the award of a scroll in 2004. Over many years Peggy has been deeply involved in her local community and, in addition to her regular teaching, has given dancing lessons for Hunt and Reivers Balls. As an adjudicator at children’s festivals her gentle manner encouraged and fostered a love of dancing in many. All those who have been privileged to have been in one of her classes either at Branch level or at Summer school benefited from her great knowledge and love of Scottish history, tradition, language and dancing. Her clear instructions were often sung to the tune and rhythm of the dance. Peggy is a regular and popular reader for the Borders Talking Newspaper and has actively participated in the work of Chest, Heart and Stroke – Scotland.