Olympic medallist Ian Stark has been awarded the OBE for services to equestrianism.

The 47-year-old Scot has won four Olympic silver medals in team events, his first in 1984 and his last in Sydney in September.

One of Britain's best-ever three-day eventers, Stark has won three times at the Badminton Horse Trials.

Born in Galashiels and now living in Selkirk, Stark started horse-riding at the age of 10.

Despite coming from a relatively poor background, Stark pursued his love for the sport while working as a DHSS clerk.

His persistence paid off and in 1984 he won the first of his four Olympic silver medals.

Fifth dimension

A glittering career ensued and, in Sir Steve Redgrave-style, Stark marked his fifth Olympic Games with another medal in Sydney.

The occasion was not an entirely happy one, however. Stark's horse was unable to take part in the final day of the event after a bad fall in the previous day's jumping.

He has not allowed such a minor disappointment to stop him, though, and he is still competing as he approaches 48 years of age.

Alison Ramsay, one of the world's most capped women's hockey players, with over 250 appearances for Scotland and Great Britain, receives the MBE.

Ramsay enjoyed a 13-year international career before her retirement in 1995.

She still plays for Bonagrass Grove at club level and works as a solicitor.

A bronze medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona was the pinnacle of her career.

She received the prestigious MacRobert Thistle Award in 1995 for her achievements and she remains one of the most respected hockey players to have come out of Scotland.