Ian McGeechan has insisted his "passion for rugby and sporting excellence remains undimmed" after being awarded a knighthood.
The 63-year-old has been honoured for services to rugby following a glittering career as a player and coach with both Scotland and the British and Irish Lions.
McGeechan won 32 Scotland caps and played on two British and Irish Lions tours, including all four Tests for the 1974 Invincibles against South Africa.
As a coach, McGeechan has led the Lions on an unprecedented four occasions, masterminding Test series victories over Australia in 1989 and the Springboks in 1997.
McGeechan led Scotland to the 1990 Grand Slam and at club level he won Heineken Cup and Guinness Premiership titles in successive seasons with Wasps.
"I am extremely proud to receive this honour," McGeechan said in a statement posted on his website, www.sirianmcgeechan.com.
"I have worked with some fantastic players and coaches in my career and it is a privilege to have worked with so many talented and dedicated people.
"But most of all this honour couldn't have been achieved without the backing of my wife, Judy, and my children Heather and Rob.
"It is their constant support that has provided such an inspiration to me and this honour would not have been possible without them. I am very proud of my family and I want to dedicate this honour to them."
McGeechan has taken a break from the game since leading last summer's remarkable Lions tour to South Africa, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.
But McGeechan indicated he is not ready for retirement quite yet.
"Rugby has been a huge part of my life for over 40 years and to have achieved everything I have with Scotland, in club rugby and with the Lions has been an immensely rewarding and enjoyable experience," he added.
"At the moment I am enjoying a rest from coaching and enjoying more time with my family, but my passion for rugby and for sporting excellence remains undimmed."
© Press Association