2008 New Year's Honour's list

Margaret Wilson (Peggy) Spouse of Duns, Berwickshire, was recognised "for her services to the community". Amongst her many accomplishments was the founding of the Duns & District Branch of the RSCDS in 1953. She has also actively particpated in the work of Chest, Heart and Stroke - Scotland, a charity helping those who have sufferred strokes and heart conditions.  Peggy received the news of the MBE on her birthday, justifying double celebration. Ruby Wilkinson, secretary of Duns & District branch said: "She has encouraged many members and still supports us, showing great interest in the society, and Peggy continues to dance with us whenever possible." Peggy gives much of her time to record information for the BordersTalking Newspaper and has done so for a number of years.

William (Bill) Clement of Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, was recognised  "for services to Piping and to Scottish Country Dancing". Bill joined the Society and the Atholl Highlanders in 1947. He was a well-known teacher of Highland dancing and Scottish country dancing, and taught these skills all over the world, including notably Japan, and was a former chairman of the RSCDS in 1996-98.

Bill Clement, when he learned of this honour, said: "It has certainly came as a complete surprise, indeed I was amazed.  Of course, I was delighted to receive this great honour especially as I have had so much pleasure from all my teaching. Many pipers have received an MBE over the years, but I am particularly pleased that my award is also for Scottish Country Dancing, since Piping and Dancing have been so much part of my life."

Irene Bennett, the current Society Chairman, has sent her congratulations to both.