An Edinburgh parishioner has received a special honour from King Charles for her exceptional work with the British Red Cross.
Mairi Allan, who attends St Cuthbert’s, was presented with the King’s Badge of Honour at a recent ceremony at Windsor Castle.
The King’s Badge of Honour is the British Red Cross’s most prestigious award, and it recognises her decades of service supporting people in crisis.
Mairi, a British Red Cross Youth Engagement Leader, is also parish safeguarding co-ordinator at St Cuthbert’s and a long-time helper on the Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes.
She has dedicated 31 years to helping young people, pioneering innovative programmes and securing significant funding and forging partnerships that have transformed youth engagement.
Mairi was instrumental in ensuring the British Red Cross achieved the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Volunteering Award in 2022 for its work with young people.
She said: “I am really humbled and honoured to receive the King’s Badge of Honour.
“I believe passionately in the humanitarian power of young people to make a positive difference to our communities. I see their resilience and readiness to help every day.
“I’m grateful to the many colleagues and young people over the years who have shaped British Red Cross work with young people as truly inclusive, dynamic, courageous, and compassionate.”
King Charles III, Patron of the British Red Cross, presented awards to Mairi, Gill Moffat, Wendy Solesbury MBE, and Grahame Roberts, recognising their exceptional work supporting people during emergencies
Béatrice Butsana-Sita, Chief Executive Officer of the charity, said: “Congratulations to our staff and volunteers who have received the King’s Badge of Honour.
“Mairi exemplifies the values of humanity, impartiality, and voluntary service.
“Their dedication has shaped our organisation and strengthened our ability to support people in crisis.
“We are deeply grateful for their years of service.”
