It was a happy start to 2024 for Scottish hospitality veteran Gordon McIntyre, after he was awarded an MBE in the King’s New Year Honours List.
McIntyre started his career in hotels, working for a number of independents and groups before making the jump to further education, where he continued to support the industry by helping to train generations of hospitality professionals.
He retired as associate dean of hospitality and tourism at City of Glasgow College in 2022, although he remains involved with the institution.
But his contribution to hospitality doesn’t end there.
In 2019 McIntyre founded industry charity Hospitality Health, which supports positive mental health and wellbeing across the Scottish industry.
He was awarded the MBE in the most recent honours list for ‘services to the tourism and hospitality industry in Scotland’.
“I was absolutely delighted to receive this honour, a real surprise and what an end to 2023 – one of the busiest the charity has had,” Gordon told SLTN.
“I have been lucky to have worked with amazing people on my hospitality journey and I owe a huge thanks to them for their support along the way, especially my family who have been amazing and my biggest supporters.
“It is an industry that is so satisfying to work in, and I can honestly say that it has not felt like work.
“You have the opportunity to meet and work with incredible people and make a difference in their lives, creating memories that will last forever.
“Having spent nearly 35 years in further education, it has been so satisfying to inspire the young talent of tomorrow along the way, and I am always delighted to meet them when out and about in the industry; seeing them progress and move up the ladder is awesome.
“The formation of the charity five years ago was set with a purpose to support the staff and try to influence a change in the culture within the hospitality sector.
“I am delighted to be able to say that we have made a difference, and will continue to do so in the coming years.
“The biggest thing for all is to be kind, first to yourself, then of course to others.”
Other honourees included two publicans at opposite ends of the industry.
JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin was awarded a knighthood ‘for services to hospitality and to culture’.
And Martyn Hillier, owner of The Butcher’s Arms pub in Herne Bay, was awarded an MBE for ‘services to business and to hospitality’.
Hillier is the founder of the Micropub Association, which promotes small, traditional pubs.
