North Ayrshire Council chief executive Elma Murray has said she is surprised and honoured to be recognised in the Queen’s 2018 New Year’s Honours List.
Elma is to receive an OBE for services to local government, education and the economy. It is understood the award recognises her pioneering work in transforming Scottish local government economic development services as well as her continuing commitment to ensure young people get the best possible start in life.
Elma said: ‘This is not something I had ever thought about but it concludes an amazing year for North Ayrshire Council. Our council teams have all been recognised in a variety of ways during 2017 for their sector-leading approaches to transforming how they work and deliver services. I am very fortunate to be able to work with such fantastic staff and my award is as much for them as it is for me.’