Moray brothers Ian and Michael Urquhart both made a CBE
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Two well-known brothers from Moray have been made CBEs in the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Honours.
Ian and Michael Urquhart, who have both previously been the managing director of Gordon & MacPhail, have been honoured as part of the monarch's 70th anniversary celebrations.
The pair also paid tribute to a third brother, David, who passed away in 2015 and, who more than anyone, was responsible for bringing the European Pipe Band Championships to Forres.
Ian, who's aged 74, said: "It is an honour and a pleasure to receive this award in her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year.
"I have had the privilege to lead two successful family-owned Moray companies.
"They are two very different businesses – single malt Scotch whisky and Scottish cashmere – yet they share a commitment to producing the highest quality iconic products, now exported to over 60 markets throughout the world.
"None of this would have been possible without the support of my family and the wonderful staff at both Johnstons of Elgin and Gordon & MacPhail who I have worked with over the last 50 years.
"As the president of Johnstons of Elgin I continue to play a pivotal role in many local and national charities and organisations and remain a Deputy Lieutenant of Moray.
"I was delighted recently to be awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Glasgow Caledonian University and continue to do what I can to promote Scottish business throughout the world."
Younger brother Michael, who's aged 67, said: "I'm delighted to receive this honour in such a special year for Her Majesty.
"I like to think this is not mine alone, but recognises the Urquhart family as a whole and our role in building a grocer’s shop in Elgin into a thriving business which exports around the world and is now the owner of two distilleries.
"Ian and I are only sorry our late brother David is not here to see the family honoured in this way.
"None of this, of course, would have been possible without the support and hard work of our wonderful staff at Gordon & MacPhail over the years.
"And, of course, I also have to thank my wife Ailsa and our four children for putting up with my almost non-stop travelling over the years.
"While I may have retired from the family business, I seem to be as busy as ever in the Scotch whisky industry, as Chairman of the Scottish Committee of the Worshipful Company of Distillers and previously in my role with the Keepers of the Quaich and as Chairman of the Scottish Council for Development and Industry in the Highlands and Islands.
"Combined with my Non Executive Director role at the National Theatre for Scotland and my involvement in the Moray Growth Deal, I seem to find plenty of things to do.
"All of these roles have involved working with some wonderful people who have supported me on a journey that has been fascinating, occasionally challenging but always rewarding."
Moray’s Lord-Lieutenant also added his personal congratulations to the pair.
Major General Seymour Monro said: "It's wonderful that these two distinguished brothers are being recognised, and almost uniquely at the same time, by The Queen in her Platinum Jubilee Year.
"Ian has made a tremendous contribution to Gordon & MacPhail and to Johnstons of Elgin. He continues to be a most conscientious Deputy Lieutenant.
"Michael too had a distinguished career with Gordon & MacPhail and has made outstanding contributions to the Scottish whisky industry.
"It was sad that their brother, David, who also led Gordon & MacPhail and brought the European Pipe Band Championships to Forres, died before he too could have been recognised. All the brothers have been great local benefactors.
"These are special honours for the Urquhart brothers, for two iconic firms, and for Moray."
