THE RUSKIN MILL founding trustee and Chair was awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List.

Aonghus Gordon received the award for his services to heritage and education.

For decades, Aonghus has been a pioneer in the provision of high-quality and fulfilling educational environments for people with disabilities, inspired by the teachings of Rudolf Steiner, John Ruskin and William Morris.

He has a vision to afford all people the opportunity and skills to shape their own future.

About the award, he said: “I am very grateful for this recognition of the Trust’s exceptional work over the past thirty years.

"Our team at Ruskin Mill has worked tirelessly through the most challenging of circumstances, and their dedication to the young people in our care and each other has been unparalleled.

"They go above and beyond every single day to support our communities, and I could not be prouder of them.

“I hope that this honour will lead to a greater awareness of Ruskin Mill’s innovative method, Practical Skills Therapeutic Education, and the positive impact it has been shown to have on many of those with learning disabilities who have attended one of our twelve Centres.”

Founded in 1981, Ruskin Mill Trust works with people with learning disabilities.

In the past 20 years it has raised £40m for its work through fundraising and donations.