Real Lives: Popular Charlie picks up his MBE from the Queen

Published on Tuesday 9 December 2008 08:56

Edinburgh Castle's longest-serving steward has received an MBE from the Queen.

Charlie Hutton, who has been a steward at the castle for almost 30 years, travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive the honour.

Mr Hutton grew up in Leith, one of five children to John, an employee at Henry Robb shipyard, and Maudie, who after raising her children worked in a local laundry.

He attended Bonnington Road Primary School and David Kilpatrick Secondary School before starting his working life as a driver for Leith Provident co-op.

Now the 64-year-old Leith man has received an MBE for his services to tourism after leading tours around Edinburgh Castle for nearly 30 years.

Mr Hutton, who has two step-sons and three grandsons, travelled to Buckingham Palace with wife Veronica last week to pick up the MBE. He described meeting the Queen as "a truly amazing experience".

On his return from London, friends at his local, Sofi's Bar on Henderson Street, threw a party for him.

Mr Hutton said: "My local put a party on. I was a celebrity for the day and everyone has said it is nice to hear about an ordinary working man getting an award."

After working as a bus driver and conductor in the city, he served 16 years as a Military Police officer in the regular and Territorial Army.

He explained: "In 1979 I came out the army and was handing in my stuff at the Castle, when I ran into Castle superintendent Willie Miller. He offered me a job as a steward.

"Five minutes either way and I would have missed him, so it was like fate.

"The first winter was the hardest – it was freezing and I thought 'why am I doing this?' Once I started doing guided tours, I got into it.

"Working as a steward is really interesting, especially if you are like me and enjoy history.

"Throughout my 30-year career, it has been a great honour showing visitors around Edinburgh Castle. I have taken film stars such as Pierce Brosnan around and conducted tours with heads of state.

"I have definitely had a varied and very interesting career."

Philip Riddle, chief executive of VisitScotland, which manages the Castle, said:

"I'd like to congratulate Charlie wholeheartedly on this recognition of his achievements over the years; he is an inspiration to all in our business."

Barbara Smith, executive manager of Edinburgh Castle, added her praise.

She said: "Well done to Charlie for getting this prestigious award from the Queen.

"He has certainly worked hard over the years for Historic Scotland and provided a first-class service to our visitors."

She added: "Charlie is a great asset to Edinburgh Castle, and it has been a privilege working with him. A local resident, he is one of a kind and certainly provides a genuine Scottish welcome to visitors from around the world."

As he approaches his 65th birthday, Mr Hutton plans to retire from his post in March. He added:

"Being the longest-serving steward both at the Castle and with Historic Scotland means it's a real honour to receive this award."