ORDER OF THE BUNNET

Celtic saviour McCann is given CBE after leading club back to top while Lion Craig and Hearts chief Ann also honoured

- SALLY HIND

THE man who saved Celtic is among Scots to appear in the New Year Honours list.

Former Celtic chief executive Fergus McCann - known as The Bunnet has been made Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the economy and charity.

The 84-year-old tycoon led the 1994 takeover of the club, which saved it from bankruptcy and stopped Rangers completing 10 league titles in a row.

He has now appeared alongside a string of Scots who make exceptional contributions to public life".

They include legendary former Hearts chair Ann Budge, 70s pop star Eve Graham and police chief Jo Farrell.

First Minister John Swinney said: "The King's New Year's Honours list recognises excep-| tional individuals - from unsung heroes to well-known names.

"Each recipient is worthy of their award and has made a significant difference to their community or excelled in their field." Scots-Canadian McCann is an icon among Celtic fans for coming to the rescue of the club when it was within minutes of financial ruin more than 30 years ago and having the vision to turn it into the club it is today.

Having grown up in Kilsyth, Stirlingshire, before emigrating to Canada, he built a golf holiday business before taking over at Celtic for five years.

McCann also redeveloped the stadium, taking Celtic to Hampden for a season while their home in Parkhead was transformed into a 60,00 allseated arena.