Former Caithness area convener 'absolutely delighted' to receive MBE By Alan Hendry | Updated: 15:06, 31 December 2020 Get the Courier and Groat sent to your inbox every week and swipe through an exact replica of the day's newspaper David Flear served for four years as area convener of Caithness. Picture: Angus Mackay Photography Former Caithness area convener David Flear said he was "absolutely delighted" to have been awarded an MBE and paid tribute to his family for supporting him. Mr Flear, who served as area social work manager and chaired the Dounreay Stakeholder Group, was honoured for services to health, community care and the community.