A RUTHIN Archaeologist is set to be recognised on the New Year Honours List.

Fiona Gale, 65, has been appointed MBE for services to Heritage in Wales.

Her tireless work has made her a well-known figure promoting and conserving the heritage of Denbighshire and North East Wales.

Fiona has been an adviser and mentor to numerous community groups, regional societies, and projects, and she has organised, led or participated in hundreds of events, guided tours, walks, talks and lectures.

In her professional career, after working for the Clwyd County Council Archaeology service, she was the County Archaeologist for Denbighshire, a post which she held to retirement in 2018.

She has also led a number of major conservation projects - most notably the £2m Heritage Lottery Funded Heather and Hillforts Landscape Partnership, a pioneering cross-disciplinary project that undertook conservation and access works on the spectacular Clwydian range Iron Age hillforts.

This is held up as a flagship project of its type in Wales and cited as an example of ‘best practice’ to others.

Fiona was also heavily involved in the conservation of masonry at the iconic Castell Dinas Bran above Llangollen in partnership with Cadw and the conservation of the spectacular Clive Engine House at Meliden, Prestatyn.

She was instrumental in the successful HLF project bid in support of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site and is currently a trustee of both the Clywd-Powys and Gwynedd Archaeological Trusts, a trustee of the Cambrian Archaeological Society, a trustee of the Council for British Archaeology and an active member of the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site Conservation Group.

The New Year Honours List featuring Fiona was published at 10.30pm on Friday and recognises the achievements and service of extraordinary people across the United Kingdom.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart has praised the recipients of New Year’s Honours, expressing his gratitude for their “unwavering commitment to their communities”

Me Hart said: “Every year it is inspiring to read the stories of hardworking individuals nominated for their dedication to benefitting their communities. This year is no exception.

“As we enter a new decade I am delighted to see a whole host of Welsh recipients from all walks of life recognised for their roles which include educating and inspiring the next generation or providing outstanding care for elderly or disabled people.

“I’d like to extend my gratitude to them for their unwavering commitment to serve their communities and improve the lives of others. Congratulations to everyone honoured today.”