Beth goes from strength to strength

Twenty-eight year old soldier Beth Duggleby was presented with an MBE by the King for operational services in the field during an investiture at Windsor Castle.

Beth receiving her MBE from the King at Windsor Castle on 12 December 2023.

Carsphairn-born Beth grew up with her mum, Clare, brother James and step-dad Alan. She attended Carsphairn Primary followed by Dalry Secondary School (where former classmates will know her by her previous name, Beth Bosworth).

Having wanted to be an accountant throughout her teenage years, she chose Kirkcudbright for her Highers. On completing her schooling, she went on to Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh to study for an accountancy degree.

After this fairly focussed academic path, Beth surprised everyone by deciding that after all, an office job wasn’t to be, and she wanted to join the army!

Clare, Beth’s mum, said:

“It was a complete surprise when Beth said she wanted to join the army as she had never shown any inclination before – I guess she’s a bit of a Private Benjamin! I was so proud to discover Beth had been awarded an MBE.”

Beth says:

“I’m really into personal fitness and this was my inspiration for joining the reserves while studying in Edinburgh. I enjoyed the experience so much, I knew at that point I wanted to join full time. What I enjoy most about the army is having the chance to influence defence as well as gain qualifications and skills that otherwise I wouldn’t have the opportunity to.

I’m incredibly honoured to have received an MBE; it was a complete surprise, with my being only three years out of training.”

Beth at an inter-services lifting competition

More recently Beth has turned her focus from CrossFit training to weight lifting and last year won a world title in France. Beth entered through the British Drug Free Powerlifting Association, the only internationally recognised UK powerlifting organisation, winning the Under 70kg World Deadlift Championship and also qualifying for this year’s British Bench Championships in powerlifting.

Mum Clare goes on to say:

"I’m beyond proud of her. If you’d have asked me what career I thought she would have ahead of her when she was growing up, I'd have opted for something business oriented or creative."

What seems certain is that Carsphairn's Beth Duggleby is set to stamp her mark on the world - go Beth!