Professor Stephen Blackmore, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, has been awarded a CBE for services to plant conservation in the New Year Honours List.

In response to the news, Professor Blackmore said: “I feel delighted that this award recognises the importance of conserving plants – the life support system of the planet. I am privileged to lead one of the world’s top botanic gardens and proud of the contribution Scotland makes, through RBGE, to conservation on the world stage.”