Badminton legend John Barrie awarded MBE

John (80), landed the prestigious honour to mark his services to badminton for the past 65 years.

“I got a letter from the Cabinet Office six weeks ago saying I was getting this MBE,” said John, a six-time World Masters champion who still coaches six days a week at Lanark YMCA Badminton Club.

“But I was sworn to secrecy until the official announcement was made last Monday.

“I’m absolutely delighted to become an MBE and greatly look forward to going to either Holyrood or Buckingham Palace to receive the award.”

John, who first took up badminton as a 15-year-old Boys’ Brigade member, went on to win four Scotland international badminton caps and coach this country’s 1970 Commonwealth Games badminton squad.

John, the 1977 Lord Cornet, is perhaps best known outside badminton circles for saving a man from drowning in the River Clyde near Hyndford Bridge in the summer of 1948.

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