MBE for David Sawkins

An Orkney Islands Council employee has been recognised with an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List.  

David Sawkins is currently Deputy Harbour Master with the Council’s Marine Services and Transportation team and retires next month.  

David has been recognised for services to Ports and Harbours Development and Environment Management.  

He joined the Council in 2005 as Orkney Ferries manager before progressing to Deputy Harbour Master in 2009.  

He began working at sea as a cadet for Shell in 1975 before coming ashore in 1983 to a post in a private hospital. After four years he took up a post with Portsmouth City Council Commercial Docks.  In 1996 he moved to Shetland to take on a role with the local authority’s Marine Operations as Divisional Manager- Engineering Services team before his eventual move to Orkney in 2005.  

In his time with Orkney Islands Council, he has led on a number of high-profile projects including the ballast water management policy, the integration of the Marine Environmental Unit into the wider Marine Services team, the extension of Hatston pier in 2012 and the Council’s ongoing work on the Harbours Masterplan Phase 1 and Phase 2.  

David was also instrumental in the re-engineering of vessels from the Orkney Ferries fleet, including the lengthening of the Hoy Head 

Reacting to his recognition David said: “It is a privilege to receive an MBE, but I must emphasise that there is a great team working behind the scenes in all that has been achieved and thanks and recognition must go to them. Although I retire next month,  

“I’ll fondly remember the last 50 years, with all but six being in the marine industry, and look forward to keeping in touch with the many friends and colleagues made over that time.” 

Council Convener Graham Bevan said: “On behalf of Orkney Islands Council, I warmly congratulate David on receiving an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours - a thoroughly deserved recognition of a lifetime dedicated to the maritime sector. 

“Over his 21 years in Orkney, David has played a pivotal role in strengthening our harbours, safeguarding our marine environment and ensuring our port infrastructure continues to meet the needs of our island communities and those who rely on our waters. From major harbour developments to vital environmental initiatives, his steady hand has helped steer some of our most significant marine projects. 

“As he prepares to retire, we pay tribute to his exceptional marine experience, leadership and commitment to Orkney’s maritime future. His legacy will be felt across our ports and harbours for many years, and we thank him for his outstanding service.” 

The King’s Birthday Honours list recognises the achievements and service of people across the UK, from all walks of life.  

Some of the awards given include Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), and Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) among others.  

Any member of the public or an official body can nominate someone for an honour. Nominations are submitted to the Cabinet Office’s Honours and Appointments Secretariat, which oversees the honours system.