AN Ayrshire based orthotist has been made an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

The New Year Honours list recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK, and its 2023 award recipients were announced today, December 30.

One of those recipients is Lynne Rowley, an Ayrshire-based member of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists since 1994, and who has been actively working for the profession as a volunteer since 2004.

An orthotist is a healthcare professional who makes and fits braces and splints for people who need added support for body parts that have been weakened by injury, disease, or disorders of the nerves, muscles, or bone.

Lynne has chaired the Conference, Education and Executive committees, serving as Chair of the British Association of Prosthetists and Orthotists for seven years representing the profession at national and international level.

The role involved working alongside government, other professional health bodies and participating as a member of the Allied Health Professions Federation UK.

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Alongside her professional duties, Lynne is also a member of Galston Haymouth curling club and Darvel curling club, both of whom play out of Ayr ice rink. 

Lynne is a qualified curling coach and was the chair of the Ayr Curling Club Development Group for three years.

Commenting on her award, Lynne said: "Being awarded an MBE has come as a complete surprise. I am touched and honoured that my colleagues nominated me and that my years of voluntary work representing my profession in Scotland and worldwide have been recognised in this way.

"I have to thank my family for their support and patience over the years.

"To my husband Chris for never saying no when I had to disappear to meetings over the weekend and my children Beth and Andrew for understanding when their mum was missing in action and never complaining when evenings disappeared as a result of the out of hours meetings and telephone calls."