A FORMER Sir John Deane's student feared he was on the wrong end of the tax authorities before realising his formal-looking letter was in fact an invitation to to receive a medal from the queen.

Scott Heath, from Barnton, has been awarded a British Empire Medal on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List due to his hard work with Archway, Network Rail’s LGBT employee network, as well as his other volunteering efforts.

The 29-year-old currently lives in London, working as a project manager for Network Rail while managing to balance deputy chairman of Archway, arranging national social events for the LGBT communities across Network Rail and being chairman of trustees for the volunteer centre in Camden.

“It was a bit of a shock to say the least,” Scott told the Guardian.

“There’s this letter with Her Majesty’s Service on a vanilla envelope. You think why am I getting this formal government letter?

“I don’t really keep up to date with these sorts of things. So, I thought it’s either my tax bill or something like a summons to corporate court.

“It is hard not to feel proud and fittingly honoured. I know it is rather cliché, but you never think it would happen to you.

“I mean, if you told 15-year-old me I was going to get an award from the queen I would have laughed.

“I’ve not received any information yet of when and where the ceremony will take place.

“I do know though that I get to have a couple of guests, so I can bring my mum and my sister.”

One of Scott’s voluntary roles is within his own workplace at Network Rail, named Archway.

The sector includes many personal hours spent arranging events and social gatherings, promoting LGBT inclusivity for all Network Rail colleagues.

He said: “Most of it involves LGBT inclusivity in Network Rail, but it's also about having certain information readily available, so staff and management can be supportive and clear on the appropriate steps.

“For example, one female worker and her partner had begun IVF treatment and once her partner got pregnant, she was seeking paternity leave.

“There were lots of hoops to jump through though and we want to make that sort of information clearer and accessible, so it’s easier for people to start a family.”

The Barnton High graduate is also the chairman of trustees for the Volunteer Centre in Camden.

There, the centre ensures their volunteers are given placements that suit their interests as well as connecting with local councils and companies to encourage any volunteer opportunities.

“We try to promote best practice and with many government cuts to funds, we try to share efficient ways to use volunteer opportunities.

“Homelessness is a big problem now in Camden and we figure how volunteering can help.”