- Source: Order Of The Scottish Samurai
The Order of the Scottish Samurai (OSS), is an award "recognising excellence, character and respect in alignment with the ancient spirit of budo." It was founded in 1994 by Ronnie Watt, and based on the Order of the Rising Sun, awarded in 1908 to Thomas Blake Glover, 'The Scottish Samurai'.
Origins
The OSS was established in 1994 by Aberdeen-based martial arts expert Ronnie Watt, as an awarding body which recognises "excellence, character and respect in alignment with the ancient spirit of budo." The order is modelled on the Order of the Rising Sun which in 1908 bestowed an award on merchant Thomas Blake Glover, who was born in Fraserburgh in 1838 and who rose to be one of the founding fathers of industrialisation in Japan.
About the awards
The awards which honour ties between Scotland and Japan, recognise individuals who excel in their chosen field or who demonstrate particular character and distinction. There are two levels of award: Samurai and Shogun. The latter award denotes a higher level of achievement or recognition. Recipients are nomited each year by current award-holders.
"The OSS became an awarding body and friendship society in 2016, with letters patent from the Lord Lyon" according to an article on Aberdeen University's website.
Awards are normally conferred at Broomhall House, home of Lord Charles Edward Bruce, 12th Earl of Elgin or at The Gordon Highlanders Museum in Aberdeen.
Recipient, Charlie Abel, a noted composer and performer of Scottish Music, created a new tune "The March O' The Scottish Samurai" to commemorate the award.
Notable award holders
Notable OSS award holders include
Billy Connolly
Alex Salmond
Joanna Lumley
Joseph Morrow, Lord Lyon King of Arms
Lord Charles Edward Bruce
Sir Ian Wood
Shinzo Abe
Natsu Yamaguchi
Lord Elgin
Chay Blyth
Paul Mealor
Tomihisa Taue
Sean Michael Wilson
Professor George Boyne
Martin Gilbert
George Kerr
Margaret Smith, former Lord Provost of Aberdeen
Dr Margaret Farquhar CBE, former Lord Provost of Aberdeen
Barney Crockett, former Lord Provost of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen