Alloway Primary's head Karen Butler, 50, was awarded an OBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours for services to education.

Karen was previously a teacher at Onthank Primary in Kilmarnock - in the estate, famed for the BBC's 'The Scheme'.

Karen said: “It really hasn’t sunk in yet and I’m both very humbled and extremely proud to be recognised in this way.

"I love teaching and working with children and young people to help them become the best they can be and reach their full potential - that’s what matters most of all.

“For me, teaching is about ensuring we focus on the whole child – not just on academic achievements – and providing the right support to meet the individual child’s needs and that’s what I always work to deliver."

A teacher for 30 years, Karen, from Prestwick, went from Onthank to Hampshire before returning to Scotland.

At the age of 26 she was promoted to senior teacher at Tarbolton Primary, where she taught for nine years before becoming the school’s head – a post she held for 10 years.

In 2010, she was appointed Head Teacher of Alloway Primary.

She added: “I’ve been lucky to work with some fantastic colleagues throughout my career and it’s been a privilege to see the difference we can make to a young person’s life.

"That’s the best reward of all for any teacher and this fabulous honour is just the icing on the cake.” South Ayrshire Provost Helen Moonie added: “My warmest congratulations to Karen on this wonderful achievement, which is testament to her passion and commitment to delivering positive outcomes for every single child.

"She is a very worthy recipient of this esteemed honour and I have no doubt the whole school is celebrating with her today.” Meanwhile John Welsh, also from Prestwick, has been honoured with an OBE for public service in Ayrshire.