THE chairman St Margaret of Scotland Hospice has been made an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.

Professor Leo Martin was recognised for his services to healthcare and education after decades of work in both sectors.

Professor Martin, who has been on the board of the Clydebank-based Hospice for 20 years and chairman since 2005, said: “It has been a huge privilege to serve on the board of the hospice.

"This honour recognises the dedication and hard work of the staff who provide the highest standard of care for terminally ill patients and their families every day. We should also remember the fund raisers who work tirelessly every week to bring in the money that is vital to keep the doors of the Hospice open.”

Sister Rita Dawson MBE, chief executive of St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, said she was delighted for Mr Martin and his family.

She said: "He is a wonderful chairman, totally loyal, steadfast, committed and always very active in standing up for the most vulnerable in our society. He has been entirely focused in his support for this Hospice giving hours and hours of his time freely.

"Leo and people like him are those who deserve true recognition today. We wish Leo many congratulations from all of us here at St Margaret's.”

Originally from the east end of Glasgow, the 54-year-old was a founding partner of the Sinclair McCormick and Giusti Martin law firm in 1987, at the age of just 24. This firm amalgamated with the HBM Sayers in 2006, where he was a senior and equity partner. In 2010 he left to start the Giusti Martin law firm. He is currently a consultant at Levy and McRae LLP, which has incorporated Giusti Martin.

He was the chairman of John Wheatley Further Education College from 1991 to 1999 and in 2000 became a professor at Strathclyde University. There he teaches core subjects every lawyer in Scotland must take. He also introduced the first family business law course in the UK.

Professor Martin, who was also the first chair of John Wheatley College in Glasgow, added: “I was delighted to serve as the first chairman of this College, which was named after an early stalwart of Red Clydeside and one of the most significant political figures of the twentieth century.

"During his life, John Wheatley did so much to improve the lives and life chances of people in the East End of Glasgow. Without his community-based principles and political drive, families like ours would not have enjoyed so many opportunities.”