Princess Anne has presented the highest medal of honour within the UK maritime sector to a CalMac engineer.
Merchant Navy Medals have been awarded since 2016 for significant contributions to the maritime industry and Allan Dickson was one of only 11 people to be presented with the honour at Trinity House in London.
Since volunteering as a careers at sea ambassador five years ago, Allan has attended 25 events and spoken to over 1,500 students, inspiring them to consider a career at sea.
He also developed a marine engineer home workshop for STEM Academy Scotland during lockdown and has been helping cadets and those starting their career journey through Nautilus International Telegraph articles and his LinkedIn platform.
“It was a huge honour to be presented with this award and fantastic to meet the other recipients this year, all of whom have gone above and beyond in the fields of maritime safety, mental health and education,” he said.
“The Princess Royal and the Secretary of State for Transport Mark Harper gave inspiring speeches on the importance of the Merchant Navy and the need to ensure people know about what we do and the career available, as well as recognising the challenges that seafarers face and working to improve the industry.
“The day was about the medal recipients and we were made to feel really special, so I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in making the day what it was.
“And to those involved in my nomination, thank you so much for putting me forward, it’s finally sinking in.”
CalMac’s fleet management director Craig Ramsay, said: “I was delighted to learn of Allan’s award, particularly as it relates to one of our own values – putting people first. Allan’s work is a shining example of commitment and dedication to service to both the industry as a whole and our young people.
“We have a growing need for seafarers and Allan’s work will undoubtedly complement the recruitment initiatives we already have, as well as those under development.
“A fantastic achievement and very well deserved. Congratulations Allan.”
Maritime Minister, Baroness Vere, said: “I am delighted that 11 mariners have been selected to receive this very special honour.
“Their unwavering dedication, exemplary service and profound contributions have not only shown the UK’s maritime industry at its best but also set an inspiring standard for others to follow.
“Their achievements are a testament to the exceptional talent and commitment present within our maritime sector.”
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