Scotland’s chief economic forecaster made a dame

The head of Scotland’s independent economic forecasting body and the first woman to head a UK clearing bank when she was appointed chief executive and then chair of Lloyds TSB Scotland in 2000, has been made a Dame in the New Year Honours list.

Susan Rice, currently chairwoman of both the Scottish Fiscal Commission and Scottish Water, spoke of her “great pride” following the recognition for her work in business, culture and the arts.

Born in the US, Dame Susan has degrees from Wellesley College and Aberdeen University.

She also has honorary doctorates from eight Scottish universities.

The mother-of-three is married to historian Professor Sir Duncan Rice who is vice chancellor emeritus of Aberdeen University.

In response to the honour, Dame Susan said: “I hope my career illustrates the holistic relationship between business, our culture and the arts.

“To be appointed a DBE by Her Majesty is a source of great pride for me and my family.

“I trust it also salutes the many people I’ve worked with who also value the inherent link between business and society.”

She is on the board of directors of a number of bodies including;

Dame Susan has previously served on the boards of SSE and the Bank of England.

In academia and the arts, she is a lay member of Edinburgh University’s Court and chairs the patrons’ governors of the National Galleries of Scotland and the City of Edinburgh’s culture task group.

Her other roles include chairing the Edinburgh International Book Festival and the Festivals Forum.

She also heads up Scotland’s 2020 Climate Group, which seeks to encourage businesses to pursue sustainable economic growth.