A DEDICATED Inverclyde Scouting volunteer has received a prestigious accolade in the Queen's platinum jubilee honours list.
Graham Haddock has been honoured with an OBE for his services to young people across the UK.
Graham has been involved in the Scouts for more than 40 years and is currently vice president of Scouts Scotland.
The retired neonatal and paediatric surgeon, who lives in Quarrier's Village with his wife Christine, found out about the honour in April and had to keep it a secret.
Graham, 61, said: "It's been absolute torture trying to keep it to myself.
"When I got the letter I couldn't quite believe it.
"It was only when I saw my name on the full list that I realised it wasn't a hoax!
"My mum Violet and my wife are absolutely thrilled.
"I'm astonished and very humbled to have been recognised in this way by Her Majesty the Queen."
Graham was born in Strone Crescent in Greenock and went to St Mary's Primary in East Shaw Street, then in Captain Street, before going on to St Patrick's.
He was dux at primary school and went on to be dux at Notre Dame High too, before leaving after fifth year to study medicine at the University of Glasgow, graduating with a commendation in 1982.
Graham is a member of the Scouts UK Board of Trustees and chair of the UK National Awards Advisory Group.
He was made a Fellow of Youthlink Scotland in 2018 and was awarded their lifetime achievement award, and he is currently a volunteer panel member for the Children’s Hearing System in Scotland.
The dedicated Scout leader was the first UK commissioner for the Explorer Scouts, and says that particular section has more than doubled in size over the last 20 years.
Graham is also very proud of his work with the young Scout leaders scheme.
He has attended jamborees all over the world in locations including South Korea, Chile, Japan, Sweden and Thailand.
Graham says the best thing about Scouting is seeing young people go out and 'make their way in the world'.
He added: "Scouting and the work that we do for, and with, young people has been a passion for me for more than forty years.
"I believe that the impact that we have on young people through helping them learn life skills in a non-formal education setting can be life changing.
"In the aftermath of the pandemic, they need us more than ever and I am very proud to be part of such a superb organisation."
Andrew Sharkey, chief commissioner of Scouts Scotland said: "Graham has been a brilliant volunteer for more than four decades, having held vital roles at all levels of our movement.
"His OBE is incredibly well-deserved and we're delighted that his dedication and achievements have been recognised in this way."
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