A BALLOCH businessman has been made an MBE in the New Year honours list.

Tom Finnigan has been given the prestigious title for his service to the administration of justice and to the community in West Dunbartonshire.

Mr Finnigan has served as a Justice of the Peace (JP), sitting at Dumbarton JP Court and elsewhere, for more than 20 years.

He has been serving on the Justice of the Peace at Dumbarton Sheriff Court for over 23 years.

He is a former chair of the Scottish Justices’ Association and is a member of the Judicial Council.

He is also currently convener of the Justices’ Training and Appraisal Committee for the sheriffdom of North Strathclyde.

Tom told the Reporter: "I am absolutely delighted and honoured. It's an award that is for myself, but obviously a great moment for my family and friends.

"It is also for the people who have supported me and worked with me in the court system.

"I was nominated by someone who thought I was a suitable candidate for the Justice of the Peace in Dumbarton. I have risen to rank of chair, and I hope that had made me a better person.

"The Justice of the Peace serves the community. I have sat in all the courts in the sheriff and all Strathclyde and Argyll."

Away from court, Tom runs a consultancy and training business in the food industry and has been a Deputy Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire since 2015.

He was also recently made chairman of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee.

Tom wanted to add a special message to the Dumbarton and the Vale of Leven community too.

He said: "I would just like to thank everyone in the community who has supported me throughout my career.

"I have always tried to do my best and I hope that is appreciated."

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said: “This year’s New Year Honours list underlines the outstanding contributions made by Scots to the life of the nation, from public service, through entertaining us and contributing to our cultural heritage, to assisting in Scotland’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic and supporting business growth."

“It’s great to see recognition of our men’s football captain Andy Robertson, not just for his efforts on the pitch but for his work with young people.

“The UK’s Scottish Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Christine Middlemiss has been deservedly honoured for her work on behalf of the veterinary and farming industries, as has Dr Julie Maxton, the first female executive director of the Royal Society in its history of over 350 years.”