FORMER local MP Alister Jack has been awarded a knighthood in the Dissolution Honours list.
He receives the accolade for political and public service after representing Dumfries and Galloway constituency at Westminster for seven years.
During his time in the House of Commons, he also served on the Treasury Select Committee, whips’ office and for the last five years in the UK Cabinet as Secretary of State for Scotland.
Sir Alister, a businessman and farmer, who celebrated his 61st birthday at the weekend, has spent his first days away from the high-pressure world of national politics with Lady Jack and other family members at their rural Dumfriesshire home.
The couple both appreciate the opportunity of spending more time at home, including in the relaxing setting of their carefully nurtured traditional garden.
Sir Alister is a Privy Counsellor and Lady Ann is a Deputy Lieutenant for Dumfriesshire.
Reflecting on the announcement, Sir Alister said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been awarded a knighthood in the Dissolution Honours.
“It has been an extraordinary privilege to represent the people of Dumfries and Galloway constituency as their MP and to have had the opportunity to serve in the UK Government as Secretary of State for Scotland.
“The last few years have been a challenging period in many ways, but I hope that I have made a positive contribution in standing up for Scottish interests around the Cabinet table and in representing my constituents.
“I want to thank my wife Ann for her unwavering support and congratulate John Cooper on his election as the new MP for Dumfries and Galloway constituency.”
