SallyAnn Kelly awarded OBE

SallyAnn Kelly, Chief Executive of Aberlour Children’s Charity has been awarded an OBE having been recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list for her services to children and families.  A special ceremony was held with Lord-Lieutenant Iona McDonald OBE officiating at newly renovated Dean Castle so that members of SallyAnn’s family could attend.

SallyAnn, joined Aberlour as Chief Executive in 2014 and has made a significant contribution to the wellbeing and happiness of thousands of children and families in Scotland.

Throughout her career, SallyAnn has concentrated her efforts on helping children and families and those faced with significant disadvantage and adversity. From directly supporting struggling families as a Social Worker, to leading a national children’s charity, she has always challenged herself and others with the question ‘what would you want for your children, your family?’

SallyAnn lives in Kilmarnock and was keen to receive the award locally so that her elderly father could attend the ceremony and participate in the celebrations. Knowing that local heritage site Dean Castle is due to reopen in Spring 2023, following 4 years of extensive renovations, SallyAnn is delighted for the ceremony to be held there.

Dean Castle was the home and stronghold of the Boyd family for over 400 years. The Keep, dating to around 1350 will house outstanding displays that tell the story of the Boyd family and medieval life, as well as East Ayrshire’s stunning collection of musical instruments, arms and armour and tapestries, once restoration is complete. The Dean Castle collections – as well as the buildings themselves – represent over 150 years of collecting and over 1,000 years of the history of Ayrshire, its people and beyond.

Lord-Lieutenant Iona McDonald OBE says: “On behalf of His Majesty the King and everyone in

Ayrshire that I would like to warmly congratulate SallyAnn on her very well-deserved award.

Her drive to improve the lives of children and families is an inspiration and a source of immense pride to all of us in the local community. It is fitting that this has prestigious honour has been awarded at Dean Castle.”

SallyAnn Kelly, Chief Executive of Aberlour says: “I am delighted to be awarded an OBE from Lord- Lieutenant Iona McDonald OBE and I accept the honour with gratitude and humility. It is a privilege to do what I do and an absolute honour to work with many talented, committed and dedicated people who strive to improve the lives of children and families across Scotland.

I would also like to thank the Lord-Lieutenant and East Ayrshire Leisure for allowing this ceremony to be held in the magnificent Dean Castle.  It has enabled my own family to be involved which I am truly grateful for”.