AN AYRSHIRE humanist has been awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List.

Susan Douglas-Scott has been awarded the gong in recognition of her long service to public life and commitment to promoting diversity, inclusivity and equality.

Through her works as a celebrant and humanist Susan, from Prestwick, has conducted marriage ceremonies for couples from all over Scotland.

She is also Chairperson of the Independent Living Fund (ILF) Scotland and the Golden Jubilee Foundation NHS Board. Susan says she got a letter in November telling her she had been awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) and was ‘shocked’.

She said: “When the letter came through I was really shocked but also delighted. It’s an honour to be recognised.

“I’ve been privileged to meet many amazing people throughout my life and career, learning a lot from them.

“My gift has been that I have been able to share their experiences and stories to bring about positive change for others in their lives.”

In her personal life, Susan and her partner Gerrie were the first lesbian couple to have a legal marriage ceremony in Scotland on 31 December 2014, having campaigned for equality for many years.

In 2016, Susan was honoured to receive the LGBTQI ICON award in recognition of her career-long commitment to equality for all.

She added: “To receive a CBE for my work with the LGBT community and people with and Disabilities is really personal. I am a disabled woman and I am married to a woman so it’s very, very personal for me.

“I will always strive for equality and inclusion and thanks to everyone who supports me, I am very much part of a team so this award reflects everything we all do together.”

Chief Executive of ILF Scotland, Peter Scott, said: “I am delighted that Susan has received this richly deserved award."