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Kate Nicholls and Richard Paterson made OBEs
By Melita KielyUK Hospitality chief executive Kate Nicholls and Whyte & Mackay master blender Richard Paterson were appointed OBEs in the Queen’s New Year Honours list.

Nicholls was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the hospitality sector, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Nicholls commented: “While I am personally thrilled and honoured to receive this recognition, I have to pay tribute to the entire UKH team for their tireless work and campaigning throughout this year [2020], continually highlighting to government the specific challenges our sector faces. This year has been one of continued despair and heartbreak for hard-pressed hospitality businesses.
“They were hit first and hit hardest by the pandemic but, despite this, there have been countless inspirational examples of leadership, resilience and collaboration, of people coming together to support their local communities during this unprecedented time, helping to feed frontline NHS and key workers, the homeless and support others in need.

“It is those values that make me proud to have represented and been part of such a wonderful sector for many years.”
Paterson was recognised for his services to Scotch whisky. The master distiller of The Dalmore celebrated 50 years in whisky in 2016.
He stepped back from his day-to-day involvement across Whyte & Mackay’s portfolio in September last year to focus on The Dalmore.
In October, Paterson was appointed master blender of the new Wolfcraig Distillery, which was co-founded by former Whyte & Mackay chief executive Michael Lunn.