A WEE COUNTY man has officially received his British Empire Medal (BEM) last week, after being recognised on the Queen's Honours List.

Andrew Michie, 70 from Clackmannan, has been celebrated for his services to the safety of outdoor adventure activities.

A former teacher, he has been involved with National Governing Bodies of Sport since 1971, was the chair of the Scottish Canoe Association Coaching Committee in the 70s and chair of Snowsport Scotland Coaching Committee in the late 80s.

The official citation said that "his work in developing mountain bike leadership awards was very important for the outdoor activity industry as it provided a qualification that allowed leaders to demonstrate their competence to lead young people in an exciting outdoor activity".

Furthermore, it added "many of his initiatives and development work spilled over significantly into his own time, much of this spent advising, designing and developing programmes in outdoor education, undertaken in a selfless, voluntary capacity".

He said: "I am deeply honoured by this award for what has been a wonderful life of working in outdoor education."

In June, after the list was announced, he told the Advertiser: "You never think about anything like this as you go about your daily business, just doing a job as you see fit.

"It is particularly rewarding to be acknowledged for doing something you enjoy and have a passion for.

"I am both proud and pleased to have been able to have made some contributions to the development of outdoor education and adventure activities over the years.

"This is so exciting and unexpected."

Andrew received the accolade from Lt Col (Rtd) Johnny Stewart, Clackmannanshire's lord-lieutenant, at a ceremony at Arndean near Dollar last week.

Johnny said: "It is really special to have someone from the Wee County receiving this medal for all he has achieved over so many years. Many congratulations, Drew."

During the 90s, Andrew was chair of Cycling Scotland's Mountain Bike Leader Association, has written NGB courses and trained around 3,000 instructors in a range of activities.

He was also a member of the inaugural HSE Industry Advisory Committee for Adventure Activities overseeing the work of the Adventure Activity Licensing Authority.

The medal giving ceremony, which was followed by a tea party, was attended by 10 of Andrew's family and friends.