Morag MacKellar, Allied Health Professions (AHP) Manager for Children’s Services, recently had opportunity to chat to Prince Charles about dietetics and nutrition and its positive impact on health, when she visited Buckingham Palace to receive her OBE for services to dietetics and health. She and the Prince discussed the challenge of improving on obesity rates and his commitment to encourage this, including work at Dumfries House where he is trying to get local youngsters involved in physical activity through growing vegetables.

Morag was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2017 for services to Dietetics and Public Health.

After qualifying as a dietitian in 1975, Morag worked in England for a few years before moving to Forth Valley in 1979. She has held a wide range of roles across the health board area where she has worked as the area dietitian and lead for primary care and community dietetic services. Morag, who is passionate about health improvement, also played a key role in developing NHS Forth Valley’s food policy, the first of its kind in Scotland. She has also held a number of national roles and is currently chair of Nutrition and Diet Resource (UK), a nutrition information charity. Morag is currently based at Stirling Community Hospital where she has a key role in co-ordinating a wide range of services and support for children across Forth Valley.