The Scottish Samurai Awards at Delgatie Castle – 29 March 2026

Glory, Grace and the Samurai Spirit

Within the historic splendour of Delgatie Castle, the Scottish Samurai Awards of 29 March 2026 unfolded as a ceremony of rare dignity and meaning. Set against the rich heritage of Aberdeenshire, the occasion brought together distinguished guests from civic, cultural and international communities to honour lives defined not by acclaim, but by character, service and quiet excellence.

At the heart of the day stood the enduring vision of Ronnie Watt 10th Dan, Meijin, founder of the Order of the Scottish Samurai, and a figure whose life’s work has forged lasting bridges between Scotland and Japan. Over five decades, he has mentored thousands, elevated Aberdeen to international prominence in martial arts, and through the Order, created a fellowship rooted in the timeless principles of the samurai: respect, discipline, humility and fidelity to purpose.

Guided with grace by OSS General Secretary Hayley Bloodworth, the ceremony unfolded across morning and afternoon gatherings, each rich with recognition and reflection. From the prestigious OSS Ambassador Medals to the inspiring Cadet Samurai awards, the morning honoured both established figures, unsung heroes and the rising generation of young individuals already embodying the values of self-mastery and service.

Morning Honours

OSS Ambassador Medal

· Graham Guyan DL, founder of the Animals in War Association

· Helena Anderson Wright BEM, founder of the Robert Burns Federation North-East Scotland and Enlightened Burns

· Albert Thomson, Knight of the Most Holy Trinity

Cadet Samurai Awards

· Iker Loseto — OSS Cadet Samurai for services to Martial Arts

· Yazan Mustafa — OSS Cadet Samurai for services to Martial Arts

· Mosheh Cheruvathoo — OSS Cadet Samurai for services to Martial Arts

· Henry Ficken — OSS Cadet Samurai for services to Martial Arts

· Dhruv Hurry — OSS Cadet Samurai for services to Martial Arts

· Eilidh Tarr — OSS Samurai Young Lady of Honour for services to Budo character

· Owen Edwards — OSS Samurai Young Gentleman of Honour for services to Martial Arts

OSS Shogun Awards

· John McLaughlin — for services to Martial Arts

· Cal Reed — for services to RNLI and humanity

· Yoshi Shibasaki — for services to Scotland and Japan

· Dave Broom — for services to whisky, Japan and Scotland

· Ahmed Mustafa — for services to charitySpecial Award

Eilidh Tarr – Jan Guyan Budo Bravery Award

A poignant highlight followed in the Animals in War Remembrance Service, led by Pastor Joe Ochei, a moment of reflection that underscored the deeper values of remembrance, gratitude and sacrifice.

The afternoon ceremony continued with equal distinction, recognising leaders and contributors across fields as varied as charity, education, culture, music and international relations.

Afternoon Honours

Samurai Lady of Honour

Nikolett Heys — for services to Martial Arts

OSS Shogun

Simon Farrell — for services to Japan and Scotland

OSS Taisho Awards

· Robert Drummond — for services to charity and Scotland–Japan relations

· Fiona Drummond — for services to charity and Scotland–Japan relations

· Tor Petter Christensen — for services to the whisky industry and Scotland, Norway and Japan relations

· Simon Heys — for services to Martial Arts and education

· Madiha Iqbal — OSS Taisho Lady of Honour for services to Scotland and the Animals in War Association

· Norman Fiddes FGIntPT — for services to music, young people and charity

· Robina Fiddes MBE DL — OSS Lady of Honour Taisho for services to traditional dance music and local charities

· Rev Marylee Anderson Chaplin — OSS Lady of Honour Taisho for services to humanity and the University of Aberdeen

· George Yule — for services to football, charity and Aberdeen University

· Frieda Morrison — for services to Doric and music

· Alastair Bruce Walker — for services to charity

· Linda May Walker — for services to charity

· Joan Johnson — OSS Lady of Honour Taisho for services to charity and the Animals in War Association

Special Honours

Pipe Major Dr Lady Jane MacRae – Golden Samurai Award
Delgatie Castle – OSS Centre of Historical Culture

Among the many memorable moments of the day was a stirring musical interlude, as Frieda Morrison and Charlie Abel brought the hall to life with performances of traditional local bothy ballads, an evocative celebration of Scotland’s cultural voice that added warmth and depth to an already remarkable occasion.

Throughout, the atmosphere was one of quiet grandeur. The Order of the Scottish Samurai continues to stand as a unique and noble institution, and one that celebrates not only achievement, but the manner in which that achievement is carried: with humility, integrity and a commitment to others.

In Ronnie Watt, that spirit finds its truest expression. His legacy is not simply in titles or honours, but in people, in lives shaped, communities strengthened, and friendships forged across nations.

At Delgatie Castle, the Scottish Samurai Awards once again proved themselves to be more than a ceremony. They are a living testament to the enduring beauty of character, the power of service, and the noble pursuit of self-mastery.