A FORMER drum major who is in charge of palace security at Holyrood has received a prestigious honour from the The Queen.

Stewart Orr, who hails from Wren Road, was presented with the Royal Victorian Medal, silver level, in recognition of his personal service to Her Majesty in Edinburgh.

Stewart, 60, was joined by his brother Douglas, sister-in-law Jennifer, who travelled up from Telford, and son Ewan and daughter Eilidh at the ceremony at Holyrood Palace.

Jennifer, 57, who is originally from Port Glasgow, said: "We are so proud.

"It was like a dream, it was such an amazing day.

"We were all very emotional but it was lovely."

Stewart and Douglas sadly lost their beloved mum Catherine when they were only 15 and 12 years old respectively and they were brought up by their dad Charlie.

Jennifer said: "Dad only passed away last year.

"He would have been over the moon at the medal."

Stewart and Douglas both enjoyed military careers in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and joined the Junior Leaders, the boys service training regiments for the army.

Jennifer said: "They're from a military background.

"Stewart left Greenock when he was 16 and he's travelled all over the world with the army.

"He was a drum major in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards for 26 years and for the last 16 years he has been in charge of fire and security at Holyrood."

Stewart is also the branch chairperson of the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

He is not permitted to speak himself about the award because he works directly for the Royal Household.

Jennifer said: "He says that the Queen is a lovely person and very humourous.

"She took time to speak to everyone and was very relaxed."