Ian has been awarded a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to sport. For four years, he served as Chief Executive of the organising committee for the 2022 Commonwealth Games held in Birmingham last summer.

Ian said “I am immensely proud to have been awarded a Commander of the British Empire in the New Year Honours list. It was an unexpected, but lovely, surprise at the end of a very special year.”

In expressing his thanks, Ian made mention of the Commonwealth Collective, the 14,000-strong volunteer workforce for their dedication, and paid tribute to all who took part in the Games, as well as the 1.5 million spectators who attended to cheer on the athletes.

Rector, John O’Neill said: “On behalf of everyone at The High School of Glasgow, I would like to extend our congratulations to Ian on his CBE. Ian and his team worked tirelessly across four years to deliver a hugely successful Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. We were fortunate enough to welcome Ian back to the High School last session as part of our Sixth Form Lecture Series. Ian was invited to speak at the annual Easton Lecture, here, he shared insights into what it takes to organise and run a large scale sporting event where all eyes of the Commonwealth are on you.

We so enjoy reconnecting with former pupils and following their success in the myriad of fields they choose once they leave the High School. Hearing news of a former pupil receiving a CBE very much embodies the spirit of our school motto, Sursum Semper (Ever Upwards). Well done Ian!”