WOMEN'S Enterprise Scotland chief executive Margaret Gibson and business angel Nelson Gray have been recognised for their contributions to growing business in the Queen's Awards for Enterprise.

The Scottish pair were among just six recipients from across the UK who received an award for enterprise promotion.

Eight Scottish companies, in industries ranging from technology and oil services to tourism and clothing, also picked up prizes for international trade.

Mrs Gibson worked with the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust for 23 years eventually becoming its deputy chief executive. She moved on to a further enterprise development role as chief executive of Women's Enterprise Scotland, thought to be the only organisation of its type in Europe. Along with that she is involved in mentoring with the likes of Young Enterprise Scotland and Entrepreneurial Spark.

She said: "It is a lovely recognition but I was a bit shocked. When you do a job, you should do it because you love it and get a lot of pleasure out of it. I have done that for over 20 years and I think I am incredibly lucky to have found something that I love doing.

"I have worked with some pretty amazing entrepreneurs over the time."

Mrs Gibson highlighted the Celtic rock band Skerryvore as one of businesses which particularly stood out during her career to date as it was very unusual for PSYBT to support a music act.

She said: "They are just about to celebrate their 10th anniversary this summer and are having a big festival in Oban this summer. One of my passions is music so when PSYBT supported them it was great."

Mr Gray is a well known figure on the Scottish business funding scene having been involved with organisations such as East of Scotland Investments, Strathclyde Investment Fund and LINC Scotland.

The accountant was one of the founders of the Scottish Institute for Enterprise, set up to encourage student in business, and a member of the worldwide GlobalScot network run by Scottish Development International.

Mr Gray said he was thrilled to receive the award and added: "People like myself become business angels because we want to invest our capital and knowledge into local businesses with the potential to make a significant economic difference.

"Seventeen years ago my wife and I invested in a Borders company which has grown into one of the largest employers in the area. I feel that we've put something back into Scotland, particularly for young people, it's not just a financial payback but a social one. I am a 'hands-on' investor and like to help businesses as well as providing money and if we can have fun along the way, even better."

Across the UK 105 businesses got awards for international trade, with 24 recognised for innovation and 12 prizes for sustainable development.

Of the Scottish winners Raincoat maker Mackintosh was cited for its commitment to keeping manufacturing in the UK which has allowed it to attain an upmarket position in many overseas locations.

It was said to have seen "outstanding" export growth over the past three years.

Perth based Air Service Training (Engineering), which provides training and consultancy to the aviation industry, has established facilities in places such as Iceland, Jordan, and Indonesia as well as providing workers from around the world with new skills from its home in Scotland.

Chief executive Peter Farrow said: "As a small company based in Perth, to have achieved success globally, is an outstanding achievement that reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone at AST, for which we are all very proud."

Other winners were oil and gas chemicals supplier Aubin Group, oil services firm Balmoral Comtec, software and electronic testing developer Calnex Solutions, energy industry supplier Global Pipe Components, Motherwell based Consarc Engineering and tourism operator Rabbie's Trail Burners.