Queen honours 'proud' airport hero

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Dressed in a tartan kilt and bow tie, Mr Smeaton said Her Majesty congratulated him for his heroics as terrorists attacked Glasgow airport last summer.

He said: "We just had a wee chat. She said, 'well done and congratulations'. It's the proudest moment of my life."

After receiving the Queen's Gallantry Medal, an emotional Mr Smeaton, flanked by his parents and sister, modestly paid tribute to the other recipients.

He said it was "a magnificent experience" coming to "Buck Palace" and played down talk of his heroism.

He said: "The Queen was very nice. She asked me if it was scary that day and I said it was.

"She said it was an awful thing and I agreed.

"It's magnificent being here. What more can you say about Buck Palace? It's a magnificent experience receiving this medal. As long as I make my family proud, I'm happy."

When asked if he was a hero, Mr Smeaton said: "Hero's not a word I like. Heroes are the guys out there fighting for their country in Iraq and Afghanistan."

Mr Smeaton's mother, Cathy, 68, and sister, Lesley, hugged and kissed him as he emerged from the investiture. His father, Iain, 66, said he was "extremely proud".