DUNOON Grammar School head teacher David Mitchell officially received his MBE at an investiture ceremony held last week at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.
Mr Mitchell, who was awarded the honour in last year’s King’s Birthday Honours List for his outstanding services to education, was presented with the medal by Princess Anne during a ceremony attended by family members and fellow recipients.
Describing the occasion, Mr Mitchell said: It was a great honour to receive my MBE from Princess Anne. I’m incredibly grateful to the staff, pupils and parents of Dunoon Grammar School, whose support and hard work over the years have meant more to me than I can say. This recognition belongs as much to them as it does to me.
He added: Receiving my MBE from Princess Anne was a truly special and humbling experience. The ceremony was both formal and welcoming, and Princess Anne was gracious, thoughtful and genuinely interested in the work of Dunoon Grammar School. She spoke about the ferry service, the Rest and Be Thankful and was very complimentary of Argyll and Bute. Being recognised is a moment I will never forget. It was made even more special that my family were there to share the experience with me.
Mr Mitchell’s MBE follows a highly successful period for Dunoon Grammar School, which has earned national and international recognition in recent years. In 2022, the school won the World’s Best School Prize for Community Collaboration, praised for its strong partnerships and initiatives, including a Covid-19 recovery programme and international projects in Malawi.
The school has also received the Gaelic Education Award for its work in promoting Gaelic Medium and Learner Education, was shortlisted for the Business Education Awards, and won two awards at the Apps for Good Showcase for innovative pupil-led projects.
Mr Mitchell was one of eight people from Argyll and Bute recognised in the Honours List last year, making it a record year for the area.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute, Mrs Jane MacLeod, has encouraged residents to consider nominating others who make a difference in their communities.
She explained: Often people assume that someone else will have nominated them, or that it happens automatically — it doesn’t. There are so many people right across Argyll and Bute who go above and beyond. Starting an Honours nomination may just result in them receiving that well-deserved recognition.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the Honours process can contact the Lieutenancy at [email protected].
