Locals get mention on Queens New Years Honours List

A musician, environmentalist and entrepreneur were honoured by HM The Queen.

Jane Thursa Sanderson, chief executive of Drake Music Scotland, receives her commendation for her services to music education and people with disabilities.

The Kirkliston resident said: “On a personal level this is thrilling and a huge honour to be recognised with the award.

“Credit is due to my outstanding staff team and all the fantastic musicians who work so hard to make us the leader in our field.”

Drake Music Scotland was established in 1997 when a group of musicians saw the potential of computer technology to help disabled people play
music.

Thursa has led the organisation since 2002 and has developed the charity to achieve its current role as a national centre of
excellence.

The Edinburgh University graduate said: “I have been involved with music all my life and was the first coordinator of Artline Edinburgh and the Lothians, developing participation in the arts by disabled people.”

Thursa discovered she was to be honoured a few weeks ago but had to keep it a
secret.

She said: “I wasn’t allowed to mention it until the New Year’s Honours list was published.

“I don’t know what will happen next but it is very exciting.”

Also receiving an OBE is Professor David Sigsworth from South Queensferry.

Mr Sigsworth is being honoured for his services to the environment and sustainable futures.

The former chairman of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency took up the post in 2008 and was influential in driving changes in the way SEPA deliver environmental
services.

Alistair Campbell, from Muirhouses, Bo’ness, is to be honoured for his services to the economy and town centre regeneration.

For over three decades Alistair has been managing director of Bellair Scotland and has overseen the development and investment in projects across central Scotland, particularly in Grangemouth and Falkirk.