An Angus man’s work in promoting links between Scotland and Japan has seen him join an elite list which includes comedian Billy Connolly.
Jim Millar, from Arbroath, has become one of just a handful of recipients to receive a prestigious new award for his work in promoting the relationship between the countries.
The Scottish Samurai Shogun Award is presented to those who have demonstrated leadership in their field. As well as the Big Yin, other previous recipients include Lord Charles Bruce and Sir Ian Wood.
Mr Millar is well known in the town, having been a former Conservative councillor before stepping down last year. The award will be presented at a ceremony in the Scottish Parliament in October.
Awarding committee chairman Ronnie Watt OBE, who was honoured by the Emperor of Japan with the Order of the Rising Sun, said: “We present two awards, the Scottish Samurai Award for those who have shown distinguished service and the Shogun Award for those who have demonstrated outstanding achievement.
“Mr Millar has been promoting trade, cultural, educational and sporting links between Scotland and Japan for 25 years and won the first award in 2006.
“His initiatives include organising the first ever reception to celebrate Scotland and Japan in the Scottish Parliament, helping coordinate the first national cricket team tour from Japan to Scotland and he is now working with Alex Johnstone MSP to form a cross-party group on Japan in the Scottish Parliament.
“From promoting Japanese martial arts at grassroots level, Mr Millar has gone on to display exceptional leadership in seeking a greater understanding between Scotland and Japan and the awarding committee was unanimous that he receive this new award.”
Mr Millar said: “It is a huge honour to receive this award, especially given the achievements of the other recipients. I am humbled that Mr Watt and the National Karate Academy have recognised my work in this way.”
The two types of award are Samurai and Shogun. Both signify excellence of endeavour. Samurai denotes one who has served and served well, while Shogun recognises the recipient’s ultimate achievement in their particular field.