The Scottish Samurai Awards: Honouring Tradition, Service, and Excellence into 2026

As the Scottish Samurai Awards prepare to step into 2026, excitement is already building for a remarkable year ahead. Inspired by the legacy of Thomas Blake Glover – the “Scottish Samurai” whose life helped shape Japan’s modern history, and our own founding president, Ronnie Watt (10th Dan) OBE ORS – these awards continue to honour individuals whose dedication, service, and creativity embody the Samurai spirit of courage, loyalty, and resilience.

A Journey of Celebration

This year’s programme of events forms a powerful narrative of culture, remembrance, and recognition.

🌸 The journey begins with the Japan Day Festival on 7th September, a colourful celebration of Japanese culture, arts, and heritage – a fitting stage for friendship between Scotland and Japan.

🌸 On 1st November at Delgatie Castle, the Awards mark Animals in Warfare Memorial Day, a poignant remembrance of the courage, loyalty, and sacrifice of animals who served alongside humans in conflict.

🌸 And on 29th March 2026, the doors of Delgatie Castle will open once again to welcome honourees, friends, and supporters for a grand celebration of achievement and cultural connection.

Honouring the 2026 Scottish Samurai Awardees

This year’s awardees represent a tapestry of talent and service – from martial arts and music to community leadership, sport, education, and history. Each embodies the Samurai spirit in their own way, carrying forward a proud tradition of excellence.

🌟 Ian Watt MSc FRSA FIot OSS Taisho – recognised for his enduring leadership and distinguished contributions across disciplines.
🌟 Tor Petter Christensen OSS Shogun – a figure of strength and wisdom, shaping communities through service.
🌟 Gordon McCathie OSS Taisho – honoured for outstanding services to Judo.
🌟 Robert Boyd OSS Taisho – recognised for his devotion to Iaido and martial traditions.
🌟 Corry Sutherland OSS Taisho – celebrated for services to piping and cultural heritage.
🌟 Santiago D’Angelis Murdoch OSS Taisho – a beacon of creativity and dedication.
🌟 James Murdoch OSS National Treasure – remembered for his seminal work A History of Japan (1856–1921).
🌟 David George Strachan OSS Taisho – honoured for his contributions to the creative arts.
🌟 John Shiran OSS Shogun – recognised for services to football.
🌟 Lady Jane MacRae OSS Taisho – for her generous contributions to piping and Scotland–Japan relations.
🌟 Mike Scotland OSS Shogun – recognised for advancing mental health development.
🌟 John Sinclair OSS Shogun – honoured for services to veterans, the Ellon Legion, and the wider community.
🌟 Cal Reed OSS Shogun – recognised for his dedication to the RNLI and to humanity.
🌟 Thomas Gerard Kincaid Sensei (6th Dan), BKA Chair OSS Shogun – celebrated for lifelong dedication to martial arts.
🌟 Derek Whitson Sensei (6th Dan) OSS Shogun – recognised for his teaching and service to the martial arts community.
🌟 Ruairidh Pooler Sensei (6th Dan) OSS Shogun – honoured for his contributions as a martial artist and leader.
🌟 Gareth William Spiers Sensei (5th Dan) OSS Shogun – recognised for his mastery and teaching in martial arts.
🌟 Andrew Leiper OSS Taisho – honoured for services to the Seven Trades.
🌟 Logan Sangster OSS Shogun – recognised for service and dedication.
🌟 Julie Sangster OSS Shogun – celebrated for her contributions and service.
🌟 Stuart Liddell MBE OSS Taisho – champion piper, honoured for services to piping.
🌟 Susy MacAulay OSS Shogun – recognised for her service to the press in Scotland.
🌟 Norman Fraser OSS Shogun – honoured for his work with the Gordon Highlanders and the Animals in War Association.
🌟 George Bowman OSS Shogun – recognised for his service to the Gordon Highlanders and the Animals in War Association.
🌟 Norman Esslemont OSS Taisho – honoured for his contributions to community life.
🌟 Karan Adam MSP OSS Taisho – recognised for service to the community and to the legacy of Thomas Blake Glover.
🌟 George Yule OSS Taisho – celebrated for services to football.
🌟 Colin Johnston OSS Shogun – honoured for his work preserving and sharing history.
🌟 Daniel Montgomery, Wing Commander (Retd) OSS Shogun – recognised for his service to cadets.
🌟 Iona Fyfe OSS Taisho – celebrated for her musical achievements and her contributions to Aberdeen University.
🌟 Delgatie Castle National Treasure Award – bestowed upon the historic seat that continues to host and inspire the Scottish Samurai legacy.

A Tradition of Honour

The Scottish Samurai Awards are more than a ceremony – they are a living tradition that honours spirit, courage, and connection. From the dojo to the football pitch, from the concert hall to the frontline of community service, this year’s awardees embody the enduring values of the Samurai.

As we look ahead to 2026, we celebrate not just individuals, but the shared ties of history, heritage, and humanity that bind Scotland and Japan together.

The Samurai spirit is alive, and it shines through the remarkable lives and achievements of these honourees.