THERE were huge smiles all-round as “local hero” and charity founder Scott Glynn received his MBE.

The founder of the Walk With Scott Foundation received his medal last Friday at a ceremony in the East Lothian Provost’s office in Haddington.

It was presented to him by the Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian, Michael Williams, who said: “It is just so wonderful for such a local hero to be recognised, and to do the ceremony locally made it more personal.

“It’s really great.”

Walk With Scott has raised more than £300,000 for local good causes, which led to Scott, of Tranent, being named in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

He told the Courier at the ceremony: “It’s just been amazing – and to get it done locally felt right.

“We tried to keep it quiet beforehand that this was happening, but my son put something on social media just after I got the medal so everyone will know now!”

Wife Carol added: “It’s an honour to see him recognised for all the work he’s done and everything he’s done for the community. It’s a very emotional day for all of us.”

Scott has been battling ill health, leading Carol to say: “It’s quite a bittersweet day, but we’re keeping positive. Got to keep fighting.”

She continued: “We’re going to the Linton Arms just now with the family, then next week we’re having a party at the Royal Musselburgh with 170 people coming along, which should be wonderful!”

Scott and his wife Carol were accompanied at the ceremony by their daughter Lauren and their son and daughter-in-law, Gareth and Heather.

Provost John McMillan added: “I’m just delighted – it’s such an honour that this event took place in my very office.”

Scott was led out of John Muir House, East Lothian Council’s headquarters, by a piper to find a crowd of over 50 people cheering and clapping.

He smiled and waved, pronouncing “drinks are on me!” while gesturing at his new medal.

He then insisted that, despite his health problems, he would be taking part in next year’s Walk With Scott fundraiser.

The crowd then spontaneously started singing the John Denver hit, Take Me Home Country Roads – a popular song sung by participants of the yearly 26-mile fundraising walk across East Lothian.

Simon Davie, manager of the Fa’side Area Partnership, said afterwards: “As a fellow Scotter, I was really pleased that Scott’s tireless fundraising and generosity was recognised.

“There are very few local residents who have had such a positive impact across our communities than Scott and his fellow Scotters’ over the past seven years. Very well deserved recognition to a local legend.”

The congratulations have also been pouring in across social media with fellow charity fundraiser, Alan Bell, from Recharge youth facility, tweeting that Scott “does a power of work for the local community and never wants anything in return”.

“I have been fortunate seeing his work firsthand at Walk With Scott and Recharge Tranent and watch him inspire others to help as well,” he added.

Others sending their support and admiration included Tranent Colts, Radio Saltire, local councillors and Paul Reynolds, Ross High School headteacher.