Retired soldier from Knightswood receives honour from King

Terry McCourt, who served in the Parachute Regiment for 12 years, has raised more than £120,000 for SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity.

At the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh last week, he was presented with the Member of the British Empire medal by Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, the Princess Royal.

Terry served in the 2nd Battalion the Parachute Regiment, or 2 Para, following in the army footsteps of his father Peter, who served with The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) in World War Two.

Retired Glasgow soldier receives honour from King for service and support of veterans (Image: Terry McCourt)

Now a fundraising volunteer for SSAFA, Terry organises and runs up to five collections a year at Glasgow Central, managing his fundraising around full-time work as janitor at Glasgow School of Art.

Together with Para colleagues, he regularly raises £1500 in a day. He also organises the annual veterans' parade in Knightswood.

Terry and his grandsons Callum, Lewis and Jordan (Image: Terry McCourt)

Terry took his three grandsons, Callum, 15, Lewis, 13 and six-year-old Jordan to the investiture, all four resplendent in McCourt family kilts.

Back in Glasgow, his sons Terry and Gavin, daughter Janice and daughter-in-law Shauna, treated Terry to dinner.

Terry McCourt (Image: Terry McCourt)

“It was a wonderful day,” said Terry. “It started with a visit to the grave of my late wife Janice, to thank her for helping me get this award.

“I took a lock of her hair that I treasure in with me to the ceremony.”

Terry and his family celebrate his MBE presentation (Image: Terry McCourt)

Terry and Janice, who sadly died in 2024, were together for 50 years.

Recently, Terry was one of nine recipients from across Scotland celebrated for their support of serving military personnel, veterans and families at SSAFA’s Regional Recognition Awards.

Terry McCourt (Image: Colin Mearns/Newsquest)

“Princess Anne was splendid,” added Terry, smiling.

“She was very laid back, you'd think she was talking to her best friend."

He added: "She is a lovely lady and she really impressed the grandchildren too."