Honour for Dame Barbara

Aug 6 2008 by Iain Pollock, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

DAME Barbara Kelly has been made an Honorary Fellows.

The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland hasawarded Dame Barbara CBE with the highest honour that it bestows upon those outwith the architectural profession.

Barbara join a list of RIAS Honorary Fellows, which represents many of Scotland’s greatest cultural, political and business figures.

President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland, Arnie Dunn, presented the Fellowship during the RIAS Fellows Summer Reception, at St George’s School for Girls.

Dame Barbara said: “I hold the RIAS in high regard and am very honoured to be given this Fellowship.

“While I was chairman of the Architects Registration Board I built up an excellent working relationship with the incorporation and was grateful for its advice and support in the delivery of ARB’s responsibilities.

“I have had a life-long interest in architecture and believe the incorporation plays a vital role as the guardian of the profession, maintaining professional standards and ensuring that Scotland can be proud of its architectural inheritance, ancient and modern.”

RIAS Honorary Fellows have included the late Magnus Magnusson. The incorporation currently numbers Prince Philip, Lord MacLennan of Rogart, Ernie Walker CBE and Sir Sean Connery among its distinguished Honorary Fellows.

Arnie Dunn PRIAS said: “There can be few Scots who have had a comparable influence on Scottish life to that of Dame Barbara Kelly.

“Her involvement in business, in culture and, crucially, in the built environment has demonstrated a passion for Scotland and a profound interest in ensuring that we achieve the highest quality in all aspects of our communities.

“Her participation in major initiatives affecting the natural environment and sustainability has also been crucially important to Scotland’s current standing as one of the most environmentally sensitive nations on earth.”