One of Scotland’s leading CAMHS clinicians has received a distinguished President’s Medal from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
The medals are awarded annually to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the profession.
Dr Elaine Lockhart has dedicated her career to improving mental health services for children and young people.
After studying medicine at University College Dublin and training in psychiatry in the West of Scotland, she spent over 20 years as a consultant in paediatric liaison psychiatry at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, followed by work with the Learning Disability CAMHS service.
A former vice-chair and chair of the RCPsych in Scotland Child and Adolescent Faculty, she went on to serve as UK Chair of the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, completing her term in 2025.
She has also advised the Scottish Government on CAMHS policy and holds an honorary senior lectureship at the University of Glasgow.
Dr Elaine Lockhart, said:
“I'm truly honoured to receive this award and know that any good work I've done has been with other people. This medal is shared with my family and the children, young people and colleagues I've worked with over the years."
Dr Jane Morris, chair of RCPsych in Scotland, said:
“Huge congratulations to Elaine who has contributed so much to CAMHS in Scotland and further afield. This award is hugely well deserved.
“She has made such a significant contribution to CAMHS with her leadership focused on strengthening specialist services, promoting equality and inclusion – as well as ensuring that the voices of young people and families remain central to mental health care.”
Dr Lade Smith CBE, president of RCPsych, added:
“When deciding who should receive a President’s Medal, Elaine was an obvious choice. Her work with the College has been so impactful in raising the importance of mental illness in young people not just in Scotland and the UK - but across the world.
“Her measured, evidence-based, thoughtful and wise approach swayed hearts and minds. It has been a pleasure working and learning from her.”
For further information, please contact:
- Email: laura.varney@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Contact Name: Laura Varney, Senior Media Officer (Devolved Nations)