Imperial Service Medal – Mrs Anne Aitken - 6thJuly 2018
Anne Aitken, who retired from Kilmarnock Sheriff & JP Court in February this year, was back on familiar ground recently to be presented with the Imperial Service Medal. The ceremony was attended by family, friends and colleagues on 6th July 2018. Around 40 people were there to see Anne receive the medal from Sheriff Iona McDonald, in her role as H M Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, with Chief Executive Eric McQueen also present.
The Imperial Service Medal was established under the statutes of the Imperial Service Order by King Edward VII in 1902, and is awarded by HM The Queen.
Anne was nominated for the medal by the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service in recognition of her long and dedicated service and though she retired in February of this year, the award was only announced in June and the medal itself came shortly after that. The Imperial Service Medal is awarded to civil service staff for ‘long and meritorious service’, usually over a period of 25 years.
Chief Executive Eric McQueen welcomed everyone to what he said was a very special occasion. “I’m delighted that you have all been able to join us today to celebrate the presentation of this Imperial Service Medal to Anne by Sheriff McDonald. Across Scotland and the wider UK there are very few awarded each year with each one being placed before the Queen for approval. The Imperial Service Medal is awarded to recognise long and faithful service in the Civil Service and is only considered by the Queen when two essential criteria are met: firstly, the person must have worked for at least 25 years, or 16 years in “unsanitary conditions”. Kilmarnock may have its challenges at times, but I certainly would not describe it as “unsanitary”. Secondly, they must have an unblemished record, something that is unquestionable in Anne’s case. She has been at the heart of Kilmarnock Sheriff Court since 1998. Her commitment and contribution was always of the highest standard”
The Lord-Lieutenant, Sheriff McDonald said in her speech: “I am delighted to be involved on behalf of the Queen, and personally, in your presentation. From personal experience I have always found Mrs Aitken to be hard-working, meticulous, willing to assist others and to share her experience. When I first started (at Kilmarnock) Mrs Aitken was very helpful indeed. She suggested ways in which difficulties in case may be resolved, drawing on her knowledge, experience and skill. Her commitment and contribution to the court system is greatly missed.”
Anne said: “It was a complete and total surprise and I was speechless on being told by Chris about the nomination and approval of the award. I confess I had never heard of this award before the nomination. I looked it up and established that it was for meritorious service. If I have in any way been meritorious in my career in is down to the help and support I have received from Sheriffs, managers, colleagues, PF’s and members of the faculty over the years. I thought being asked to collect the customer service award on behalf of the Sheriffdom at the Park Hotel was the highlight of my career but the award of the medal surpassed that by quite some way. Over the years on the more challenging days I had thought that I deserved a medal for working in the Court service but here, today, I have actually received one and I am proud and honoured to be the recipient thereof.”
Anne completed 37 years with the Civil Service, including 20 years in the courts service. Anne started work with the DWP before transferring to the court service in February 1998 as a Court Officer. She quickly went on to work as an Administration Officer in both the criminal and civil departments, as well as undertaking substitution at Executive Officer level. She has seen many changes down the years, with new procedures and new technology in particular, working with many sheriffs and staff, all of whom respected her for her hard work and the experience she shared.
She is settling well into retirement with her husband James, who also retired earlier this year.