Bruce Turner, chairman and managing director of PureMalt Products, recently received his MBE from Prince William in recognition of his services to business and the economy in East Lothian.

Turner, who has been involved with the Haddington-based company for 50 years, was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List and was officially presented with the award during an investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Despite the personal recognition, Turner was quick to credit the success of the business to the people around him.

"This award is very much a reflection of the team at PureMalt, to whom I am very grateful for their support over the years," he said.

"There are more than 100 people standing behind me. I accept this award on behalf of the great many people who have supported the business over a great many years.

"PureMalt has an outstanding team."

Founded on a site with a rich history in cereal processing dating back to the late 12th century, PureMalt Products has grown into an international business exporting to more than 50 countries across six continents. The company supplies ingredients used in a wide range of products, from soups and soft drinks to ice cream and nutritional supplements.

Turner, 76, admitted he was taken by surprise when he first learned he would receive the honour.

"I was totally surprised and never expected such a recognition, but some things come as a nice surprise," he said.

"It was a very exciting thing to happen, but then there was the issue of lockdown, so it goes back more than a year since I was told."

The MBE follows another significant milestone for the business. In 2021, PureMalt was awarded the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise, one of the UK's highest honours for business achievement. The company was among just 205 organisations across the UK to receive the award.

Turner travelled to London with his son Ross for the investiture and had the opportunity to spend several minutes speaking with Prince William.

"It was a very pleasurable day going to the palace and joining other people and then meeting Prince William," he said.

"He was very well briefed and we chatted away for several minutes. He was very easy to talk to.

"All the glamour of the palace is very exciting and it was a very nice experience."

Turner was one of four East Lothian residents recognised in the honours list. Others included Mary Contini, who received an OBE for services to the Scottish food industry and Scottish-Italian relations; Dr Carey Lunan, who was awarded an MBE for services to healthcare in Scotland during the Covid-19 response; and Stewart Auld, who received a BEM for services to the RNLI and the North Berwick community.

For Turner, however, the award stands as recognition not only of his own contribution, but of the people who have helped build PureMalt into one of East Lothian's most successful international businesses.