Royal nod to Edinburgh stars

A University of Edinburgh alumnus and former employee are among those to be recognised in the Queen’s New Year Honours List.

Astronaut Dr Piers Sellers received an OBE for services to science.

He was one of many Edinburgh graduates to be honoured.

University ambassador

Ecological Science graduate Dr Sellers was the third Briton to travel to space.

Selected as an astronaut candidate by NASA in April 1996, he has since journeyed into space on three occasions - in 2002, 2006, and in May 2010.

He is an important ambassador for Edinburgh, and has participated in several public engagement events for the University.

Dedicated employee

Also honoured was retired International Student Adviser, Mrs Ann Mckay.

The former University employee was given an MBE for services to higher education.

She has worked in a variety of roles for the University almost exclusively since 1972.

Mrs Mckay will also be awarded an honorary degree from Edinburgh this year.

Photo credit: NASA