Charity stalwart receives an MBE

The 43-year-old, of Heathhall in Dumfries, has dedicated 13 years to social enterprise the Food Train, for which she is the chief executive, and has been recognised for services to older people in Scotland.
She said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed as I have loved doing the job I’ve been doing over the years and it really has been a labour of love more than anything else.
“It has only been made possible by the many, many volunteers who have been such a help and support.”
Mrs McCrindle, who is married with two daughters, first joined the charity as a development officer in 2002, when there were just 11 volunteers and around 50 members.
Within just three years, having obtained some part-time administrative help, she developed the organisation across 2500 square miles of Dumfries and Galloway entirely on her own.
And she has successfully spread Food Train’s message delivery service to six areas and to more than 1550 older people, mobilising more than 600 volunteers to deliver fresh food every week.
The Food Train now employs 30 staff and offers household support, outreach library and befriending services as well as the popular delivery service.
A nurse in the field of geriatrics prior to her current role, she has successfully worked with the Scottish Government to implement Mealmakers, a food-sharing service for those who find cooking difficult themselves.
As well as all this, she has also volunteered in a sporting capacity for many years and is currently the secretary and welfare official of Dumfries and Galloway Triathlon Club having previously coached junior track and field athletics for many years.
Delighted to accept the honour, she added: “It’s fantastic as this is the 20th anniversary year at Food Train, and we have still got a few volunteers who have been here for more than 15 years and some customers for more than 18 years.
“I have been delighted to take it to where it is now without having to change much, which is a fantastic testimony, and this is a real honour for Food Train which is who I will be accepting it on behalf of.”