Veteran broadcaster Jackie Bird has spoken of her profound honour after being formally decorated with an MBE by the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle. The ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, recognised the journalist's three-decade career as the face of BBC Scotland News and her extensive charitable work.
A Day of Honour at Windsor
The esteemed journalist, known for her calm authority on screen, admitted to being deeply impressed by the historic surroundings. "I'm not phased by many things but I think being surrounded by so much history and tradition, it's very impressive," Bird remarked. She described feeling a sense of wonder amongst her fellow recipients, questioning, "gosh why am I here?"
Her conversation with Princess Anne was warm and engaging. "She was wondering why I was so far south, because I'm usually based in Scotland," Bird revealed. The discussion naturally turned to her role as President of the National Trust for Scotland, a position she has held since 2019. Bird highlighted a "shared interest" with the princess in historical preservation, particularly regarding old churches and buildings.
Charity Work and a Personal Mission
Beyond broadcasting, Bird's charitable endeavours were a key reason for her honour. She has been a longstanding presenter of BBC Scotland's Children in Need programme, a role she described as revealing the charity's vital "heavy lifting behind the scenes." She expressed amazement at seeing children helped by the charity years ago now thriving as adults.
Bird also has a personal passion for broadening access to history and wildlife, "especially among children." She reflected on her own upbringing in a council house, an environment not typically associated with visits to castles and stately homes, underscoring her commitment to making heritage accessible to all.
A Family Celebration
The 63-year-old made the day a family affair, attended by her parents and husband. "What makes today extra special is that I'm able to come here with my mum and my dad who just had a lovely time," she said, adding that a family meal would cap off the celebrations.
Jackie Bird became a household name presenting BBC's Reporting Scotland until her departure in 2019. For years, she was also the familiar face ushering in the New Year for countless Scots, hosting the BBC's iconic Hogmanay programme.
