A BUSINESSMAN’S 50-year connection with Haddington has been recognised at Buckingham Palace.

Bruce Turner, chairman and managing director of PureMalt Products, received his MBE from Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, last month.

Mr Turner, who has been involved with the business, off the town’s Whittingehame Drive, for 50 years, received the accolade for services to business and the economy in East Lothian.

He was quick to praise the efforts of colleagues and told the Courier: “This award is very much a reflection of the team at PureMalt, to whom I am very grateful for their support over the years.

“There are more than 100 people standing behind me.

“I accept this award on behalf of the great many people that supported the business over a great many years.

“PureMalt has an outstanding team.”

East Lothian Courier: Bruce Turner attended Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE from Prince William

Bruce Turner attended Buckingham Palace to receive his MBE from Prince William

Mr Turner was one of four East Lothian residents recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in October 2020.

Mary Contini received an OBE for services to the Scottish food industry and Scottish-Italian relations, while Dr Carey Lunan received an MBE for services to healthcare in Scotland during the Covid-19 response, and Stewart Auld was awarded a BEM for services to the RNLI and the community in his home town of North Berwick.

Mr Turner, 76, said: “I was totally surprised and never expected such a recognition but some things come as a nice surprise.

“It was a very exciting thing to happen but then there has been the issue of lockdown, so it goes back more than a year since I was told.”

The site of the Haddington business has a lengthy history in the processing of cereals, dating back to the late 12th century.

Now the business exports to more than 50 countries on six continents.

Royal seal

In May last year, PureMalt, which supplies ingredients for everything from soup and soft drinks to ice cream and nutritional supplements, was given the royal seal of approval.

It was one of 205 organisations across the UK to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Mr Turner travelled with his son Ross to London last month for the investiture and had the chance to speak to the Duke of Cambridge during the ceremony.

Mr Turner, who lives in Gullane, said: “It was a very pleasurable day going to the palace and joining other people and then meeting Prince William.

“He was very well briefed and we chatted away for several minutes.

“He was very easy to talk to.

“All the glamour of the palace is very exciting and it was a very nice experience.”