VETERAN community activist George McGuinness donned his kilt for an appointment with the Queen.

The 67-year-old from Baillieston was presented with an MBE at Holyrood Palace, but he almost didn't make his date after being accosted by tourists on the Royal Mile.

George is a founding member of Glasgow Housing Association, Chairman of Baillieston Housing Association, a member of the East Glasgow Health Partnership and a committee member of Tenant Controlled Housing.

He learned of his gong in a letter from Downing Street but was sworn to secrecy - unable even to tell his family - until the official announcement.

His sons, George, 42, David, 41, and Hugh, 39, accompanied him to the Palace earlier this month for the presentation.

The grandfather, who has also fostered 60 kids, said: "The Queen was very nice. The hardest part of the day was walking along the Royal Mile. We kept getting asked to pose for photos."