West Kilbride violinist Nicola Benedetti has added another impressive string to her bow, one of her best yet, when she was nominated in the Queen's Honour List, and will become an MBE (Member of the British Empire).

The highly acclaimed artiste is a Classic BRIT award and a Tartan Clef award winner and has also been recognised for her tireless work in campaigning to encourage music education in schools, after she started playing the violin when she was five.

Nicola said: "I am deeply honoured to receive an MBE. This has come as a real surprise to me and I am humbled.

"I hope this honour can help me continue to draw attention to the importance of classical music and the arts in British society."