TWO recipients of The Queen’s Birthday Honours List have been recognised in Troon.

Officially released on Friday, June 8, more than 1000 people from across the UK have been recognised for their commitment to public service, including Kirsty Letton, who has been awarded an MBE for her service to curling after being heavily involved in volunteering for over 40 years, and Stuart Laing, lately Chairman of Houlden Jewellers who is to receive an OBE for his services to the jewellery industry.

Kirsty, who is a member of the Troon Portland Curling Club and the Glasgow Ladies Curling Club, has volunteered in a number of different capacities, such as coaching, assessing, ambassadorial roles, statistician, tutoring and numerous development committee roles.

In addition to her volunteering, the 77-year-old’s key achievements include, Scottish Curling Senior Champion, silver medallist for the World Senior Curling Championship and representing Scotland at the World Senior Curling Championship.

Since 2014, Kirsty has increased the number of active coaches from five to 26 who are delivering Try Curling, Beginners, Improvers and Curling’s Cool programmes in Ayr.

Last season 269 South Ayrshire Primary aged pupils participated in a block of taster sessions, which Kirsty co-ordinated and junior club numbers have risen significantly.

Stuart Laing, who joined the family business in 1970, was “instrumental” in the success of the company.

Over the years, his knowledge and expertise has helped the retailer to grow into the business it is today - Laings is one of the largest independent jewellery businesses operating seven stores across the UK, three stores in Glasgow, two in Edinburgh, one in Cardiff and one in Southampton.

The Lord- Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Sheriff Iona McDonald, said: “I would like to send my congratulations and best wishes to all of the individuals from Ayrshire and Arran who have been recognised.

"They have made a considerable contribution to our local communities and I am sure that this award comes as a great surprise, as many of them do not seek any recognition for the work that they do.”