It was scarier than playing live to thousands but a deep sense of “Scottishness” in the palace enveloped singer-songwriter Dougie MacLean as he accepted his OBE from the Queen.
The Dunkeld-based folk singer was given the honour for services to music and for his charity work with organisations including Shelter and the Cyrenians.
Speaking shortly after Tuesday’s ceremony in the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Dougie said, “I have been a professional musician for 36 years and it is a great compliment to get an honour at this stage of my career.
“It’s great not just for me but for the people I work with. Working in acoustic folk, it is nice to be recognised by the bigger establishment.”
Dougie was impressed by the Queen and the time she took to speak to recipients.
“She is lovely and she talked to me about how music was magical and brought a lot of pleasure to everyone,” he said.
He said the ceremony also did that, honouring people who worked tirelessly, often as unpaid volunteers.
“There was a nice feeling of Scottishness in the palace today,” he added. “There were 120 people from all different walks of life who came from throughout Scotland all being honoured there was a real feeling of pride in the country.
“And it’s great to be in Holyrood. I know there are investitures in London, but my mother probably wouldn’t have gone to that but she’s here today.”