Founder of Puffin Pool in Dingwall receives MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle

A modest campaigner who helped improve the lives of people with long-term health conditions has been presented with his MBE in a ceremony at Windsor Castle.

Dr Malcolm Monteith Steven, a founder and trustee of the Puffin Hydrotherapy Pool in Dingwall, was recognised in the NewYears Honours list for his services to the community in the Highlands and Islands.

The retired consultant rheumatologist (71), who lives in the Crown area of Inverness, has now been presented with the award by Princess Anne.

Dr Steven revealed he was initially a bit dubious about attending but ultimately found the occasion took place amid a relaxed atmosphere – and after his turn came for the presentation, the music turned to a bagpipe tune and jig, Cock o'the North.

"I was a bit in two minds about whether to go," he said. "Personally, I was doing it for other people."

The much-loved Puffin Pool, which relies on donations, grants and fundraising, helps people with a range of conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, stroke, cerebral palsy and can also speed up rehabilitation after injuries and operations.

It began as an idea by interested clinicians working with arthritis patients in the Highlands.

Dr Steven was chairman of the Puffin Pool Board from its initiation in 1992 until 2018.

When he heard he had been nominated for the MBE he was delighted and surprised.

"I was pleased to accept the award on behalf of the many people who have contributed to the Puffin Pool over many years," he said.

"The original committee formed in 1992 did an amazing job to get the Puffin Pool built, with so many people joining the fundraising effort.

"Amazingly, it is now 25 years since the pool opened and many hundreds of people with arthritis and other disabling conditions have over that time, benefited from treatment there."

Dr Steven, who retired eight years ago, has a daughter, Rachel Barrington, and a son, Robert Steven, who accompanied him to Windsor Castle.

His wife, Jane, who also supported the Puffin Pool, died five years ago.

He said the investiture at the castle was a very slick operation.

He was among a group of about 10 other recipients who progressed though various rooms until reaching the room where Princess Anne was carrying out the presentations.

"It all sounds very formal but they are incredibly good at making you feel very relaxed," he said.

When it came to his turn, he told her about the Puffin Pool and she asked some questions before pinning the MBE on his lapel.

"There was a quartet playing music in the room and they started playing Cock o'the North which I thought was very appropriate for someone from the Highlands!" he said.

Others present on the day included British professional wheelchair tennis player Gordon Reid who was awarded the OBE, Stone MP Sir Bill Cash who became a Companion of Honour and husband and wife paralympians, Neil and Lora Fachie, who received OBEs.

Dr Steven said the Puffin Pool is highly subsidised by continued fundraising by many pool users and especially the volunteers at the Puffin Pool Shop in Dingwall who were a big part of the award.

"I’d also like to share this with the committee members past and present who have ensured the pool has been run safely and professionally," he said.

"Our long term partnership with our staff from High Life Highland and a number of NHS Highland physiotherapists has ensured pool users a wonderful experience when having their treatment and I would like them too to feel included in this award."

The Puffin Pool board said it was delighted that Dr Steven had been recognised for his tireless work in leading the fundraising and creation of a vision for a hydrotherapy pool for Highland residents.

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