THE work of a former director of Glasgow School of Art has been recognised in the New Year honours list.

Professor Seona Reid, former director of Glasgow School of Art, has been made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her work in the creative industries. It comes four months after she stepped down from the prestigious position she held for 14 years.

She said: "Throughout my career I have been fortunate to work with some remarkable people whose commitment to creativity and higher education has been inspiring.

"The creative disciplines are vital, not only because of the impact they make socially, culturally and economically, but in the transformational role they play.

"I am honoured to have received this award, which recognises the value of creativity that it has been my privilege to champion."

Ms Reid led one of the nation's leading art schools, with alumni laden with arts prizes, since 1999 and left several months before the completion of the £50 million academic building, which will open in autumn next year.

The building has been named after her and will be seen as her biggest contribution to the school.

She also oversaw an £8.7m project to conserve the main Mackintosh building, its collections and archives, at the centre of the Garnethill estate.

Previously she served as director of the Scottish Arts Council for nine years, and before that as assistant director of Greater London Arts. She is deputy chairman and Scottish chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scotland's Fulbright Commissioner, chairman of the National Theatre of Scotland and a trustee of the Tate.