Mr Macfadyen (60) has just retired after 20 years' service with the Lothian and Borders Army Cadet Force as captain.

He received his award from Midlothian's Lord Lieutenant Patrick Prenter.

Educated at Loanhead Primary and Loanhead Secondary, Mr Macfadyen worked at a miner at Bilston Glen Colliery and the Moat Pit, Roslin, on leaving school at 15 years.

He joined the Royal Scots in 1966 and served in the regular Army for 22 years leaving as a Sergeant Major in 1988. He served all over the world including Northern Ireland, the Falklands and Germany.

During his time with the Army Cadet Force, based at their Broxburn headquarters, Mr Macfadyen was one of six full-time employees working to ensure the smooth running of the 33 detachments across the region, including Loanhead, Dalkeith, Bonnyrigg and Musselburgh.

The Army Cadet Force, which is open to boys and girls aged 13 to 18 years, offers teenagers a range of team building and leadership activities in military training, the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and adventure training.

Mr Macfadyen lives in Park Avenue, Loanhead, with his wife Josephine (60), who was a home help for 20 years.

They have three sons — Paul, Peter and David, and a daughter, Shirley, who recently completed 22 years with the regular Army as a Sergeant Major with the Royal Military Police. They have one grandson Sean (17).

On his retirement, Mr Macfadyen and his wife, both keen walkers, are looking to get out and about.

"It is time to catch up with the walking and get back into my fitness regime," he said.

"I have got plenty of time to relax in the garden and golf. We do a lot of walking together at the weekends and we have done a number of long distance trails.

"I am just looking forward to retirement and getting some healthy walking done weather permitting!"