King appoints engineer and composor as members of the Order of the Thistle

King Charles has bestowed Scotland's most distinguished honour upon two remarkable figures in their respective fields.Professor Sir Jim McDonald, a celebrated engineer and former University of Strathclyde principal, alongside Sir James MacMillan, one of Britain's foremost composers, have been appointed to the Order of the Thistle.The monarch personally selects members of this ancient order without governmental input or external counsel.Comprising just 16 knights and ladies, the order also includes the Queen, The Princess Royal, the Duke of Rothesay and The Duke of Edinburgh among its ranks. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say Baroness Katherine Grainger, the Olympic rowing champion, was also named Usher of the Green Rod.Sir Jim's career in engineering and academic leadership spans more than three decades at the University of Strathclyde.He took up the Rolls-Royce chair in electrical power systems in 1993 before ascending to lead the electronic and electrical engineering department a decade later.From March 2009 until his retirement last year, he served as principal and vice-chancellor of the institution.His tenure at the Royal Academy of Engineering from 2019 to 2024 marked a historic achievement, becoming the first Scottish president in the organisation's history.The Crown recognised his contributions with a knighthood in 2012, followed by a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in 2024.Sir James hails from Ayrshire and has established himself as one of the nation's most acclaimed composers.Beyond his musical output, he founded the Cumnock Tryst festival, bringing cultural enrichment to his home county.LATEST ROYAL NEWSCatherine reunites with ex-boyfriend in an awkward wedding momentPrince William 'to consider banning sub-letting royal properties' when he becomes KingPictured: Best moments from Peter Phillips and Harriet Sperling's countryside weddingHer late Majesty's funeral in 2022 featured his specially commissioned anthem, Who Shall Separate Us?The composer received his knighthood during the Queen's Birthday honours of 2015.This year brought further royal recognition when Charles bestowed upon him the King's Medal for Music.His appointment to the Order of the Thistle represents the culmination of a career dedicated to enriching Britain's musical heritage.Baroness Grainger, a native of Glasgow, brings distinction to her new role as Usher of the Green Rod through her extraordinary sporting and academic accomplishments.At London 2012, she claimed Olympic gold in the double sculls alongside Anna Watkins.Her medal haul across four consecutive Olympic Games remains unmatched by any British woman in any discipline, cementing her status as the nation's most successful female rower.The 2013 New Year Honours saw her elevated to CBE for her services to the sport.Her pursuits extend well beyond athletics, having earned a doctorate from King's College London examining homicide sentencing after extensive study in law and medical ethics.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter