Seven Scots included in first ever recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem.
New Emblem recognises police officers, firefighters and other public servants who died in the line of duty.
Families of PC George Taylor, Det Sgt Ross Hunt, Firefighter William Crocket, and NHS nurse Neil MacLellan among first recipients.
Seven Scottish public servants are among the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem that have been announced. The next of kin of over 30 former firefighters, police officers and other public servants who have died in public service will receive the award in recognition of their deceased loved ones.
The Emblem was announced earlier this year to commemorate public servants who died in the line of duty. The Emblem is the civilian equivalent of the Elizabeth Cross, which recognises members of the UK Armed Forces who died in action or as a result of a terrorist attack.
Among the first recipients is Sally Taylor, the widow of PC George Taylor, who was killed while on patrol on November 30, 1976. He was attacked by two men dressed in prison uniform who had escaped from The State Hospital at Carstairs in Lanarkshire. Also receiving the emblem is Archibald MacLellan, son of Neil MacLellan, a Nursing Officer on duty at the State Hospital that night. He was also killed, along with a patient, by the two men who escaped.
Also honoured is Firefighter William Crocket who will be awarded the Emblem over 60 years after he died in an explosion at the Cheapside Street Whisky Bond in Glasgow that claimed the lives of 19 people on 28 March 1960. Firefighter Crocket's son William Cruickshank will receive the Emblem on behalf of his late father.
The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer said:
"We must never forget those who have given their lives to protect others in the line of duty.
"While families will never be able to replace their loved ones, the Elizabeth Emblem pays tribute to the sacrifice they have made."
The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray said:
"The Elizabeth Emblem is inscribed with the words 'For A Life Given In Service' - and nothing could be more apt. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the seven Scottish public servants who receive this new honour today.
"I want to personally thank the families of the police officers, firefighters and NHS nurses who are recognised today for their bravery and service. Your loved ones made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the wider community and for that we will be forever grateful."
The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden said:
"We owe a debt of gratitude to our exceptional public servants who have given their lives in service of our nation.
"The Elizabeth Emblem will honour their dedication and I am pleased to see the first recipients named today."
To mark the announcement of the first recipients of the Elizabeth Emblem, the first batch of Emblems will be awarded by His Majesty The King later this year. The design of the Emblem incorporates a rosemary wreath, a traditional symbol of remembrance, which surrounds the Tudor Crown. It is inscribed with 'For A Life Given In Service', and will have the name of the person for whom it is in memoriam inscribed on the reverse of the Emblem. It will include a pin to allow the award to be worn on clothing by the next of kin of the deceased.
Families and next of kin of those who have died in public service are encouraged to apply for an Elizabeth Emblem.
