Donald MacLeod and David Cochrane awarded MBEs
SCOTTISH licensed trade and hospitality industry figures have been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
Donald MacLeod, owner of Glasgow’s Garage and Cathouse nightclubs, was awarded the MBE for services to music and charity; while HIT Scotland chief executive David Cochrane was awarded the MBE for services to tourism.
Donald has been an integral part of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland for more than 20 years and continues to play a key role as chair of the charity’s Scottish Fundraising and Events Committee, responsible for the Scottish Music Awards which celebrates Scotland’s musicians, artists and bands and raises funds to support music therapy services in Scotland.
Described as a driving force of Glasgow’s nightclub scene and Scotland’s live music industry, Donald owns The Garage and Cathouse nightclubs, both of which are still going strong after 30 years; in that time the venues have played host to thousands of gigs by the likes of Prince, Coldplay, Anthrax, Fun Lovin Criminals, and Queens of the Stone Age.
Donald said he is “delighted and quite humbled” by the recognition.
“Music has been my life’s work and passion, and throughout most of my career Nordoff Robbins and the fantastic work it carries out in Scotland has been a great source of pride and inspiration,” he said.
“I would like to thank everyone involved in the charity: the beneficiaries, the therapists, fellow board and committee members, fundraisers and all those who nominated me. I regard this award as a deserved recognition of their hard work, fortitude and endeavour, and of course support, which has been as vital as it has been valued.
“I would also like to thank my wonderful wife Pauline and our fantastic family for all their encouragement and support over the years, which I could not have done without. News of this award has also been music to the ears of my mother Margaret, who tragically lost her son Calum, my younger brother, at the beginning of the pandemic, but who is now beaming from ear to ear.
“These are dark times for us all, but this fantastic news has raised our spirits and brightened everyone up.”
David Cochrane, chief executive of Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland (HIT), was awarded the MBE for his role in spearheading the industry charity’s scholarship programme, which has raised more than £4 million and awarded over 10,000 bursaries and 2000 scholarships.
Commenting on the award, David said he was “deeply honoured and humbled”.
“What has been achieved by HIT Scotland would not have been possible without the commitment and ambition of our trustees and exec team who have played a huge part in the success of the charity, alongside members of the industry who have given generously of their time, hospitality and funds to make such a positive impact on our sector,” he said.
“This comes at a really difficult time for the sector as we grapple with the catastrophic impact of COVID-19. This has certainly tested our resilience but again the industry has demonstrated real ingenuity in overcoming the many obstacles we face. The ambition and drive to look to the future is shining through and HIT is proud to be part of this incredible industry.”
