Brian Souter, a transportation mogul and member of the Perth Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Scotland, has been knighted in the Queen's birthday honors. 

Souter founded the Stagecoach Group with his sister Ann Gloag in 1980. The two grew the business from a couple of second-hand buses, financed by their father, to a company that employs 35,000 people and reports annual earnings of US$3.2 billon. The company now runs buses, inter-city coaches, trains, and trams. The company also runs the Megabus brand in the United Kingdom and United States and Coach USA and Coach Canada. 
 
"Brian Souter remains a committed layman in the Church of the Nazarene, serving in the Perth church in Scotland," said General Board member Paul Tarrant. "His personal commitment to compassionate ministries, to youth, and as a leading member of the church board has been key in the evangelistic thrust of the local church."

Souter, with his wife Betty, established the Souter Charitable Trust which supports many health and community projects, initiatives to benefit young people, and compassionate ministry projects.
 
Souter was awarded a knighthood "for services to transport and the voluntary sector." This award and along with other awards are granted by H.M. Queen Elizabeth on her official birthday

"Having started my career in public transport as a young bus conductor, I am delighted to receive this prestigious honor," he said. "However, the achievements and innovations would not have been possible without the dynamic Stagecoach team who support me, and I accept this award on their behalf."

Sir Brian, 57, shows the same ability for innovation and to lead in the church.

"Sir Brian has given significant input to the church in Scotland, both in his own denomination and interdenominationally, supporting evangelism and mission and adding his voice to the debate to maintain Christian values in British society," Tarrant said.