A COWDENBEATH businesswoman has finally received her MBE for services to charity on a day that will live with her forever.

The Times told you just over one year ago that Marie Shevas, founder of Scottish travel agency Moorelands Travel, had been named in the Queen’s New Year Honours 2021.

Due to the pandemic, her scheduled visit to receive her award from royalty was delayed until Wednesday last week.

With husband Ron supporting her every step of the way, she made her journey to Windsor Castle where she was presented with her MBE by Princess Anne - a moment she will never forget.

“The whole day was everything I hoped it would be and more,” she told the Times.

“It was worth the wait.

“Princess Anne made me feel so calm and relaxed, as I had been extremely nervous beforehand. She really put me at ease and she was so engaging.

“She was very interested in hearing about myself, the charity work and about my profession - which she acknowledged as being one of the hardest hit industries during the pandemic.”

In the past 40 years, Marie estimates that she has raised between £800-£900k for a number of local, national and international charities.

She previously told the Times that she was in “complete shock” when the news came through that she was set to receive an MBE.

Upon arriving at Windsor Castle for the big day with husband Ron by her side, they were both told to savour the experience from start to finish.

They followed that advice on what was an emotional and overwhelming occasion.

“I’ll remember that day forever,” Marie Shevas MBE stated.

“Staff told us to take everything in; for us to take our time around the grounds and in the rooms and to just enjoy it. The sun was shining, everyone was so friendly and Princess Anne was so kind.

“It was perfect.

“I’m so glad Ron was with me so we could savour everything together.

“Who would have imagined that this little girl from Cowdenbeath would have a moment like this?

“It meant a lot to me, but it is my family that I collected the award on behalf of.”