The honour was presented at the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Annual Charity Awards Dinner, held in Glasgow yesterday (Thursday 11 September).
The APSE Awards celebrate excellence in frontline services across UK local authorities, with winners selected by a panel of expert judges across 17 categories.
A Scottish Labour councillor since 2007, Cllr Dryburgh is the Armed Forces Champion for Dumfries and Galloway Council. He said:
“Obviously, it was a surprise and very humbling that the National Council of APSE felt that I deserved such a wonderful accolade.
“I believe if you’re going to do a good job you need good people to support you and in this local government life, the more the merrier. I want to thank the council as the member of APSE, for allowing me to be its representative.
“I hope this will inspire other elected members to get involved with a great organisation that APSE is.”
A former Gordon Highlander, Cllr Dryburgh is widely respected for his advocacy for veterans and their families. He has led commemorations for significant events including the WWI centenary and the Quintinshill Disaster.
His dedication was previously recognised with an MBE in 2019 for services to the Armed Forces and local authority, and he was named Role Model of the Year at the Scottish Veterans Awards 2024.
Dumfries and Galloway Council was also shortlisted in three categories at the APSE Awards:
- Overall Council of the Year
- Best Workforce Initiative
- Best Community and Neighbourhood Initiative
Council Leader Cllr Stephen Thompson paid tribute to his fellow councillor, saying:
“Archie’s commitment to public service and his tireless advocacy for veterans and their families have made a lasting impact not just in Dumfries and Galloway, but across Scotland. This award is a fitting recognition of his dedication, humility and leadership. We are proud to have him as part of our council.”