THE owner of the Garage and Cathouse nightclubs has been "humbled" by his appointment as MBE.

Donald MacLeod was recognised for his services to the music industry and for his ling-running charity work. 

The nightclub owner has been involved with the Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland for 23 years and is currently the head of its fundraising and events committee. 

READ MORE: Stuart Gibson makes £5million investment in Rangers as part of £8million Ibrox share issue

Mr MacLeod said the award had cheered his mother, who had been rocked by the loss of his younger brother at the beginning of the pandemic, earlier this year. 

His honour was celebrated by the charity, who thanked Mr MacLeod for his longstanding commitment to its cause. 

Sandra Schembri, Chief Executive of Nordoff Robbins said: "Donald has been a champion for those we support and has devoted a huge amount of his time and energy to the charity to help raise vital funds for us to continue to support some of the most vulnerable and isolated members of our society."

Mr MacLeod said: "I am delighted and quite humbled at being chosen to receive such a distinguished accolade. Music has been my life’s work and passion, and throughout most of my career, Nordoff Robbins and the fantastic work it carries out in Scotland has been a great source of pride and inspiration.

READ MORE: Old Firm fans warned against hosting house parties amid pub closure concern

"I would like to thank everyone involved in the charity: the beneficiaries, the therapists, fellow board and committee members, fundraisers and all those who nominated me. I regard this award as a deserved recognition of their hard work, fortitude and endeavour, and of course support, which has been as vital as it has been valued.

"I would also like to thank my wonderful wife Pauline and our fantastic family for all their encouragement and support over the years, which I could not have done without.

READ MORE: Scotland supermarket outside queuing to return as new Covid restrictions imposed

"News of this award has also been music to the ears of my mother Margaret, who tragically lost her son Calum, my younger brother, at the beginning of the pandemic, but who is now beaming from ear to ear.

"These are dark times for us all, but this fantastic news has raised our spirits and brightened everyone up.”