King appoints composer and engineer as Order of the Thistle members

Two Scots have been appointed as members of the Order of the Thistle by the King, with Professor Sir Jim McDonald and Sir James MacMillan receiving the honour for engineering and music contributions. Baroness Katherine Grainger was named Usher of the Green Rod. The Order comprises 16 knights and ladies, plus royal members. McDonald’s career spans roles at the University of Strathclyde, including Rolls-Royce chair in electrical power systems since 1993, department head from 2003, and principal and vice-chancellor from 2009 to 2025; he led the Royal Academy of Engineering as president from 2019 to 2024 and was knighted in 2012, elevated to GBE in 2024. MacMillan, Ayrshire-born composer, established the Cumnock Tryst festival and was knighted in 2015; his anthem for the Queen’s funeral, Who Shall Separate Us?, was commissioned for 2022, and he received the King’s Medal for Music in 2024.