Ian Shand (65), who retired earlier this year after working at Arduthie Primary School for 30 years, said he was "shocked, but proud" to be awarded the honour. Mr Shand started at the school in 1979, after 14 years as a submariner in the Royal Navy. His wife Rosalind (63), worked at the school as a cleaner and supervisor for 25 years.
Mr Shand was told in a letter that he received in May that he would be given an MBE, but was told to keep it a secret at first. He said: "When I first got the letter it was a shock, I thought somebody was pulling my leg.
But I'm very proud, and I'm very proud of my time at Arduthie. I loved that job, and I got on well with everybody."
The source of his nomination for the accolade remains a mystery, although Mr Shand suspects that his former employers may have been involved. Mr Shand expects to be invited to be presented with the honour by the end of the year, although he will only be notified of the exact date five weeks in advance.
Mr Shand is still a regular presence at the school, where he helps out with odd jobs. He has also been helping out at the annual sports day this week. He said" I was down helping out with the sports day, since the new janitor is off sick. And I help out at the nursery, planting bulbs for them and things."
Although he remains busy, Mr Shand said that he is enjoying his retirement, and has continued his interest in gardening.