How Did Football Executives Rescue Celtic and Hearts?

This year’s New Year Honours list celebrates notable contributions from various individuals across Scotland, including former Celtic chief executive Fergus McCann and ex-Hearts chair Ann Budge. McCann has been honoured with a CBE for his significant impact on Celtic Football Club and its financial recovery, while Budge has been recognised with an OBE for rescuing Hearts from administration. The list also features prominent figures such as Jim Craig, Eve Graham, and leading forensic scientist Prof Lorna Dawson, reflecting a broad spectrum of achievements in sports, music, science, and community service.

Last updated: 05 January 2024 (BST)

What’s happening now

The annual New Year Honours list has recognised various individuals for their exceptional contributions to society, particularly in Scotland. This year’s list highlights the achievements of people who have made significant impacts in their respective fields, from sports and music to science and community service. The honours reflect a commitment to honouring local heroes and acknowledge the diverse talents and contributions made by those in Scotland.

Key takeaways

Fergus McCann awarded CBE for financial recovery of Celtic FC.
Ann Budge receives OBE for rescuing Hearts FC from administration.
Jim Craig and Eve Graham recognised for their contributions to sports and music.
Prof Lorna Dawson honoured for advancements in forensic science.
The list includes various other notable figures across Scotland.

Timeline: how we got here

The New Year Honours list is an annual event in the UK, celebrating individuals for their achievements. The 2024 list reflects a range of contributions made over the past year, culminating in the announcement on 31 December 2023. The recognitions awarded this year highlight the ongoing importance of community service and excellence in various sectors.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The latest honours include a diverse range of individuals, showcasing accomplishments in sports, music, education, and scientific research. The recognitions particularly focus on those who have made significant impacts within their communities or fields in the past year.

What was already established

Previous New Year Honours lists have similarly celebrated public figures and community leaders. The tradition of recognising individuals for their contributions to society has been a consistent feature of UK culture, reflecting national values of service and excellence.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The recognition of these individuals can inspire communities across the UK, demonstrating the value placed on service and excellence. This may encourage more people to engage in charitable activities and community work, contributing to overall societal well-being.

Businesses and jobs

Individuals like Fergus McCann and Ann Budge have made significant contributions to their respective clubs, influencing local economies and job opportunities. Their work not only stabilised their clubs but also created a ripple effect, boosting local businesses and community morale.

Policy and regulation

The New Year Honours serve as a reminder of the contributions made by individuals in various sectors, which can influence future policy decisions, especially in areas like sports funding, education, and community support initiatives.

Numbers that matter

5 individuals awarded CBEs and OBEs for significant contributions to their fields.
£2.5 million: the amount Ann Budge invested to help rescue Hearts FC.
1967: the year Jim Craig became part of the first British team to lift the European Cup.
3 decades: the length of Prof Lorna Dawson's career in forensic soil science.
15: the number of individuals recognised for their community impact in this year's honours.

Definitions and jargon buster

CBE: Commander of the Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded for notable contributions to the arts and sciences.
OBE: Officer of the Order of the British Empire, recognising contributions to the community.
KPM: King's Police Medal, awarded for distinguished service in policing.
MBE: Member of the Order of the British Empire, an honour for significant achievement or service to the community.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the news of the honours spreads, it may encourage local initiatives and community projects. Individuals inspired by these recipients may look to contribute more actively to their communities, leading to new charitable efforts.

Medium term (1–6 months)

The impact of the New Year Honours can lead to increased visibility for the causes championed by the recipients. This could foster further support for local clubs, charities, and educational institutions, encouraging sustainable growth.

Signals to watch

Increased participation in community service initiatives.
Potential rise in funding for local sports clubs and charitable projects.
Public conversations around the contributions of local heroes and their impact on society.

Practical guidance

Do

Engage with local charities and community projects to support those in need.
Consider how you can contribute to your local sports clubs or educational institutions.
Stay informed about initiatives launched by the recipients of the honours to further support their causes.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of local heroes on community spirit and morale.
Ignore opportunities to volunteer or assist in local initiatives.
Assume that contributions must be large to be meaningful; even small actions can have a significant impact.

Checklist

Identify a local charity or project to support.
Engage with community discussions about local heroes and their contributions.
Attend an event or meeting related to community service or local sports.
Consider donating time or resources to a local cause.
Share stories of local heroes in your community to inspire others.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the recognition of these individuals is commendable, it is important to remain aware of the challenges that many communities face. The honouring of individuals can sometimes overshadow systemic issues that require broader attention and action. Additionally, the evolving nature of community needs means that ongoing support and adaptation are necessary to ensure lasting impact.

Bottom line

The New Year Honours list serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can have within their communities. By recognising the achievements of figures like Fergus McCann and Ann Budge, society can inspire others to contribute positively. Moving forward, it is essential to support these initiatives and continue fostering a culture of service and community engagement.

FAQs

What is the New Year Honours list?

The New Year Honours list is an annual event in the UK that recognises individuals for their significant contributions to society in various fields.

Who are some notable recipients this year?

This year’s recipients include Fergus McCann, Ann Budge, Jim Craig, and Prof Lorna Dawson, among others, each recognised for their exceptional work in their communities.

How are individuals chosen for the honours?

Individuals are typically nominated based on their outstanding contributions to society, and selections are made by an independent committee that assesses these nominations.