Sutherland Men's Sheds - February 2026
The Scottish Men’s Sheds Association (SMSA) is celebrating reaching over 5,000 members, a landmark achievement for the growing movement. Two recent new members include Patrick Marriott, the Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland and one of his deputies, John Green, former Chaplain to the Fleet.
The Lord-Lieutenant met recently with Ross Murray, SMSA Development Officer for the Highlands & Islands to discuss Sheds within the County. Sutherland has a growing number of Men’s Sheds: ones already established in Dornoch, the Kyle of Sutherland and with ones in development in other areas of the county as well. The Lord-Lieutenant (who previously chaired the Scottish Committee of CombatStress, a leading mental health charity for veterans) explained: “I am a keen supporter of Men’s Sheds, primarily as I’ve seen first hand how they can transform the lives of veterans. The companionship and creativity that they engender is wonderful to see. Both Sheds I visited recently, are thriving—the Kyle of Sutherland Shed having 30–40 regular members is superb!”
Flower Thomson DL - February 2026
The Lieutenancy team were very saddened to hear of the recent death of Flower Thompson DL of Golspie. Born in the County, Flower trained as a nurse and was for many years the manager of Seaforth House in Golspie. She was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Sutherland in 1999 and gave many years of unstinting service. Flower was married to her late husband George for over 60 years and together they delighted in their loving family of children and grandchildren.
The Lord-Lieutenant spoke on behalf of the Lieutenancy team: “Flower will be very much missed by everyone in the Sutherland Lieutenancy and, of course, by those that she served so will in Golspie and beyond. She was a stalwart supporter of Veterans and it was her idea, energy and dogged determination that created the Friends of Sutherland Veterans over a decade ago. She was a model of generosity and kindness to us all and she most certainly understood the concepts of both ‘community’ and ‘service’.”
Visit to the Kyle Centre, Tongue - January 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant visited the Kyle Centre in Tongue for lunch at on Thursday 29th, General Marriott was, as usual, in great spirits and entertained the community diners. His companions in the photograph are Dr Marion Macdougall, Chair of North Coast Connection which runs the Kyle Centre on the left and Jean Maclean, a long time volunteer befriender.
Further information about the Kyle Centre and North Coast Connection at www.northcoastconnection.org.uk
Kyle of Sutherland Men's Shed visit - January 2026
The Lord-Lieutenant visited the Kyle of Sutherland (KoS) Men's Shed at work in Ardgay on 28 January. The KoS Men's Shed has 30-40 members and meets weekly on Wednesday mornings and is keen to attract new members.
General Marriott commented "I am a keen supporter of Mens’ Sheds and have seen the sometimes transformative effect they have on many lives. I think the combination of companionship and creativity delivered by these sheds is remarkably special. I am very keen to encourage and help the establishment of more sheds in Sutherland. I would encourage folk to visit the KoS Mens’ Shed as a great example of ‘what good looks like’. Alternatively, do contact them at chair@kosmshed.org"
Neil Dalton MBE investiture - January 2026
Neil Dalton of the East Sutherland Rescue Association is pictured after receiving his MBE during an investiture at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on Wednesday 21 January.
Neil was awarded his MBE in last year's King’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in East Sutherland. He was a founding member of ESRA in 1982, serving for over 40 years (so far), including 11 years as Chair. See last post of June 2025 for further detail.
Photograph: Lorna Dalton
New Year's Day wreath laying at Clyne War Memorial - January 2026
Dawn McKenzie DL joined the new Chair of Friends of Clyne War Memorial - Angus Millar, piper Danny Parkin, the Mackintosh family and members of the Brora community on the anniversary of the dedication of the Clyne War Memorial in order to lay a wreath in remembrance of those who died in past conflicts. Mr Millar welcomed everyone and paid tribute to the sterling service of the late Jim Cunningham who had been Keeper of the Clock since 1995 and committee member since the 2012 formation of FoCWM. He then welcomed the Mackintosh family, who laid the wreath on behalf of the community as the family of Lieutenant David Lonie Mackintosh, named on the memorial. Lt Mackintosh, 7th Battalion, The Seaforth Highlanders, died in the fighting at Caen on June 29 1944 - nine days before the birth of his only child.
Photograph: Sandy Sutherland/ Friends of Clyne War Memorial
New Year's Honours - December 2025
The Lord-Lieutenant and the Sutherland Lieutenancy team would wish to congratulate Mrs Frances Gunn DL, Mr Alistair Risk (Brora) and Major Alisdair Miller (Golspie) on being awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours.
“The award of three MBEs in one list is an extraordinary achievement for Sutherland. It is perhaps a “first” for the county to have so many MBEs on a single list. It reflects well the amazing works enacted by Frances Gunn, Alistair Risk and Alasdair Miller. But it also, in my view, is a great demonstration of the sense of service that has been, and continues to be shown, by the people of Sutherland out of all proportion to their number.” Such awards are national recognition for exceptional service. All three of these awards are for “service”, the action of doing or helping someone other than oneself.
Mrs Frances Gunn DL is awarded her MBE as “Chair, Flow Country World Heritage Site Steering Group, for services to heritage and the community in Sutherland”. Frances has led and worked tirelessly and selflessly for the people of north Sutherland for upwards of forty years. She has been involved in numerous projects, including the creation of the North Coast Leisure Centre and the Strathnaver Museum. “Always self-effacing, and attributing her many successes to others, Frances has gently encouraged and led on more initiatives than can be properly counted. She is also a superb DL whose judgement is flawless. She is much loved by her very many friends. This award will give a great deal of pleasure to so, so many.”
Mr Alistair Risk is awarded his MBE for his exceptional services to charity over very many years. Over the past decade alone he has voluntarily raised well over £500,000 for a range of charities both local and international. Some estimates put this figure as high as £750,000. The duration of his commitment is extraordinary too: he has now been fund-raising for 55 years, latterly being seriously ill and with permanently failing eyesight. The span of his service is similarly remarkable. Rotary apart (where he has held appointments up to international level), he raises funds for youth ventures, fetes, golf clubs, churches various, heritage, performing arts, combatting polio and much more. During the last couple of years he has, on two occasions camped out in wintry conditions to raise funds for Ukraine and for victims of the 2023 Turkish earthquake. “Alistair is unique; he is something of a pocket dynamo and I admire him hugely. He is utterly tireless, doggedly persistent and his kindness knows no bounds. This award is truly for a lifetime of service. Supported always by Fiona, his amazing wife, I am thrilled that he has been rewarded with this award”.
Major Alisdair Miller is awarded the MBE for services to the community in Sutherland. His voluntary work for the charity, the Soldiers’, Sailors’, and Airmens’ Families Association (SSAFA) is exceptional and probably occupies at least one or two working days every week. As well as his fund-raising, he is a caseworker for SSAFA. On average a case might take a day a week for one or two months. In August 2024 he was awarded a “Long Service Award” for ten years’ service to SSAFA. In addition he has been a passionate fundraiser for many other causes and over many years. He is a longstanding member of the Rotary Club of East Sutherland and became the Chairman of the Golspie Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland in 2023 - yet another busy role, meeting weekly and running two (sometimes more) major commemorations in Sutherland each year. “Alisdair is one of nature’s greats. He is unassuming and hugely generous with his time and work. He is a selfless man whose work for SSAFA in particular has been extraordinary. But he is a man who never says “no” when asked to help any good cause. Taken together with his current role as Chairman of the Golspie Branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, his service to veterans in Sutherland and Caithness, is superb.”
Sakura Cherry Tree Project - December 2025
On Friday Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch joined pupils from Dornoch Academy and Dornoch Primary School, and members of ESRA and CARMA (climate action group supporting UK Veterans) to plant six trees gifted to Sutherland through the Sakura Cherry Tree Project. Another six trees will be planted in Brora early next year. Our thanks to the pupils and volunteers for their support in planting what will hopefully become a lasting tribute to the friendship between our country and Japan.
The twelve Sutherland trees are some of over 8,000 Japanese cherry trees (‘Sakura’ in Japanese) given to the UK by Japan, and planted across the country in parks, gardens and schools to celebrate Japan’s relationship with the UK. Photograph credit: Andy King.
The Princess of Wales' Carol Concert - December 2025
On Friday 5 December the Princess of Wales welcomed people from across the country to her carol concert at Westminster Abbey 'Together at Christmas'. The Lieutenancy was delighted to be asked to nominate three people to attend with their guests, people who help to make a difference in the lives of others. Attendees from Sutherland were the Rev Iain and Mary Macleod from Lochinver, John and Brenda Murray from Golspie and Ros and Reanna Uddin representing Melness.
The theme of this year's service was kindness and showing love to others. The service sheet included a special letter from Her Royal Highness - A message of gratitude and hope - reflecting on the power of love, empathy, and the strength we find in one another.
The Together at Christmas carol concert will be shown on ITV1 on Christmas Eve.
King's Award for Voluntary Service for ESRA - November 2025
The Lieutenancy is delighted to confirm that East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) has become the first organisation in Sutherland to be awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). KAVS is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
Following approval from His Majesty The King, 231 volunteer groups, local charities and social enterprises from across the United Kingdom have been selected to receive The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. These groups deliver exceptional and distinctive service in their communities and the awards are made after a rigorous assessment at national level. We are delighted that ESRA is one of those receiving the award in 2025 and that it is the first organisation in the county to receive the award since its’ inception as QAVS in 2002.
The Lord-Lieutenant expressed heartfelt congratulations on behalf of the whole Lieutenancy team:
“The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises superlative work by voluntary organisations nationally. It is the organisational equivalent of an “MBE” for volunteer groups.
The original Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 and the award made to the East Sutherland Rescue Association (ESRA) today is the first ever made to an organisation in Sutherland.
Across the United Kingdom the competition bar is set extraordinarily high. The span of work, primarily charitable and in parallel to their rescue role, made ESRA stand out. ESRA’s contributions to Dornoch and, more widely to Sutherland and to Ross & Cromarty, was deemed superb. And all those things are delivered by volunteer crews and their vital supporters. ESRA is a beacon of “how to get things done”, an exemplar to communities. It is “what good looks like”.
Wholehearted congratulations to ESRA: the leadership, the team, and all their families and supporters too.”
The award presentation is likely to be made to ESRA by the Lord-Lieutenant on behalf of His Majesty The King early next year.
Further information about KAVS and this year's recipients at: kavs.dcms.gov.uk/awardees
HMS Sutherland crew back in the County - November 2025
We are delighted that a number of HMS Sutherland's ship's company have been able to visit the County again over the Remembrance weekend. Friday saw two groups continue the community work which they began last month; one group headed west to complete the clearance of the Duartbeag walking route, as well as taking down a fence at Scourie war memorial and tidying the war memorials at Scourie and Kylesku. The second group was on the east completing the work at the Dornoch Community Wood, working with pupils from Dornoch Academy. The work included hanging a new gate to allow access to the woods for both wheel barrows and prams.
After attending a number of Remembrance Sunday services across the county, Monday saw the crew visiting Sutherland's secondary schools. Teams visited Kinlochbervie High School, Farr High School, Golspie High School and Dornoch Academy. During their visits they discussed with pupils the roles undertaken on the ship and in the wider Royal Navy, taught maritime skills, introduced pupils to Bucket Ball (a common game played by sailors on flight decks at sea around the world) and delivered IMF lesssons (Initial Military Fitness sessions are conducted daily by all recruits during training at both Dartmouth Naval College and HMS Raleigh).
Our thanks once again to those visiting and to those arranging and hosting during the visit.
Further information about HMS Sutherland can be found on the Royal Navy website.
Sutherland Remembers - November 2025
Members of the Lieutenancy team were, as ever, privileged to help in remembering those who gave their lives in conflict and in the service of their country by attending many of the services that were held at war memorials throughout Sutherland. We were delighted to be joined by members of the armed forces: members of the ship’s company of HMS Sutherland attended a number of services across the county and the officer commanding the Caithness unit of 7SCOTS also attended one of the afternoon services in Sutherland.
Our thanks to all who helped to organise, host and deliver, and those who attended, the many acts of remembrance over the past few days.
100th anniversary of Golspie SWI - October 2024
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch was delighted to attend an afternoon tea to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Golspie Scottish Women’s Institute. The tea was attended by 35 members and former members. Guests included the SWI national president Mary Burney, national trustee Sybil Stewart, president of the Ross-shire and Sutherland Federation Ann McGhee, Federation treasurer Rita Storr and East Sutherland Councillor Richard Gale.
After a welcome speech by the president of the Golspie SWI, Helen Ewan, the Vice Lord-Lieutenant gave an address and read out a letter from His Majesty the King, congratulating the Golspie SWI on reaching their 100th anniversary.
Photo credit: Martin Ross
HMS Sutherland crew visit the County - October 2025
During the week 13-17 October the Captain of HMS Sutherland, Commander James Wallington-Smith, together with officers and sailors from the ship visited the County. The aim of the visit was to continue to build a strong and enduring connection with Sutherland. The Sutherland Branch of the Royal Naval Association hosted welcome drinks in Golspie and the Lord-Lieutenant hosted a similar drinks party at his house at Littleferry.The visit trips to both the XII Submarine Flotilla Memorial at Kyleskyu and to the 'Hood Stones' at Loch Eriboll, as well as to Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery, Dornoch Cathedral and Historylinks. Teams will also visit the Royal Dornoch Golf Club and the East Sutherland Rescue Association. Importantly, community work was carried out on both the west and east coasts including a work party helping with footpath clearing at Duartbeg near Kylesku, similar work at Dornoch Community Wood and a work at Loch Fleet NNR with NatureScot.
“This was a very welcome surprise visit by crew from the ship. As a County, it is a real privilege to have one’s own frigate, the “Fighting Clan”, HMS Sutherland. We are all aware just how busy the Royal Navy is now and it is typically kind and thoughtful of the Captain, Commander James Wallington-Smith, to find the time to venture north to the ship’s “home county”, Sutherland. It felt like the return of old friends.” Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Marriott.
Further information about HMS Sutherland can be found on the Royal Navy website.
Afternoon tea for Jacquie Fraser - October 2024
The Bonar Bridge Hall Committee organised a small afternoon tea party to celebrate the 41 years of service given to the Community by Jacquie Fraser at the Corner Shop. Ms Fraser recently sold the shop, around 35 customers, old and new, gathered to wish Jacquie well and present her with flowers and a gift from Glasstorm in Tain. The Pier made a celebratory cake and the Committee provided light refreshments, tea and coffee. Funding for the event was provided by Creich Community Council.
Christine Mackay DL attended on behalf of the Lieutenancy, saying a few words and presenting Jacquie with her gift. The photographs show Jacquie Fraser receiving her gift from Christine Mackay DL, and Lesley Macleay who has worked at the Corner Shop with Ms Fraser and who will continue to do so with the new owner. Photograph: Kathy Smith
Hayley Bangs MBE - September 2024
The Lord Lieutenant presented Ms Hayley Bangs with the MBE at the Kyle of Sutherland hub on Saturday 27 September (pictured together with Christine Mackay DL). Hayley was awarded her MBE in January for “Services to the community in the Kyle of Sutherland, Ross-Shire and Caithness”, primarily for her work in raising funds for the community and the creation of “the hub”.
The Lord-Lieutenant commended Hayley’s leadership and noted, “Field Marshal Slim said that all leadership is delivered by a combination of compulsion, persuasion or example. But the greatest of these must surely be example and that is how Hayley led the project that delivered the Hub, by example. And today this hub is an example that extends well beyond the Kyle of Sutherland. It is a 'beacon of light' in the whole of the north of Scotland, reflecting 'what good looks like'”. He also thanked the many staff, volunteers and others from the community who had supported, and continue to support, the initiative.
Commemoration of the departure of the brig 'Nancy' - September 2024
252 years after the brig 'Nancy' set sail from Dornoch carrying 280 emigrants bound for North America, a commemoration was held to mark the death of over 80 of those on board during the passage, including 6 of 7 mothers who gave birth aboard and all their new-borns. The deaths were caused by a combination of disease, starvation and injury; attributable to insufficient food, bad weather and the brutality of the captain and crew.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch and Khloe Maclennan presented flowers to the East Sutherland Rescue Association's coxswain Anthony Hope as the assembled crew watched on. The flowers were then laid at sea from the ESRA boat in memory of those who died.
Photograph: Kim, Khloe, Khloe's grandmother Avril Maclennan (a member of the Coast Guard), Khloe's mother Anna and Khloe's baby brother, together with the ESRA crew.
Visit to 7SCOTS - September 2024
The Lord-Lieutenant, as Honorary Colonel of the 7th Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Scotland (a front line reserve infantry battalion), has visited the battalion training at Otterburn in Northumberland. Soldiers of the battalion were preparing to deploy on a four day exercise.
The 7th battalion inherits the mantle of the famous 51st (Highland) Division and draws recruits from across the north of Scotland, including Caithness, Sutherland, and Ross & Cromarty. Any thinking of service with the Royal Regiment of Scotland should go to:
www.army.mod.uk/.../royal-regiment-of-scotland
Inverness Military Wives Choir concert for SSAFA - September 2024
The Lord-Lieutenant, as President of the Sutherland Branch of the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) thanked the Inverness Military Wives Choir and the many organisers of the charity performance held in Dornoch Cathedral to raise funds for SSAFA and Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland (the Cathedral team, Dornoch & District Community Association, SSAFA Sutherland team and national representatives of SSAFA who had travelled a great distance for the event). The concert was very well supported.
The Lord-Lieutenant made two requests: first, that everyone seeks to help any former service personnel in Sutherland, and their families, who may be in difficulty for whatever reason, to approach SSAFA. Second, he asked that all live up to his dictum that they “do as you ought, not as you want”, and give just a little more for the SSAFA cause before departing…..and then enjoy a richly deserved dram when they get home. Photograph: IMW Choir with musical director Alyn Ross and SSAFA national vice chair Lady Walmsley.
Highlife Highland Summer Reading Challenge - August 2024
The Summer Reading Challenge in Dornoch run by Louise Baker for Highlife Highland concluded today with prize-giving. The Lord-Lieutenant presented medals and certificates to some of the children who took up the challenge. The Summer Reading Challenge has run for many years throughout all the libraries run by Highlife Highland, this year’s theme was “Story Garden” and around 20 children took part.
Photo: Children with Louise Baker and the Lord-Lieutenant after the prize-giving at the Dornoch Library
80th anniversary of VJ Day - August 2025
Across Sutherland our communities marked the 80th anniversary of victory in Japan. In 1945 VJ Day marked both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War. The term has been used for both the day on which the initial announcement of Japan's surrender was made, 15 August, as well as for 2 September when the surrender document was actually signed. We honour the bravery and sacrifice of all those who served in the Second World War and pay tribute to the whole of the Second World War generation from across the UK and the Commonwealth.
Throughout the county folk joined in the national 2 minute silence, places of worship joined the national bell ringing. In Brora Dawn McKenzie DL attended a service and wreath laying at the Clyne War Memorial attended by veterans and members of the community. In Lochinver David Macaskill DL attended a service and wreath laying at the Lochinver War Memorial. In Lairg Sheila Stewart DL attended the service and wreath laying at the War Memorial, which remembered in particular those from Lairg who were held Prisoners of War in Japan. In Dornoch events were led by East Sutherland Rescue Association, supported by RBLS Golspie and were attended by the Lord-Lieutenant Major-General and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant. Events included a service and wreath laying, a 1940s themed coffee morning, children’s activities and an event marking of the falling of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The day ended with food, music, singing & dancing at the Lifeboat Station and the lighting of a Beacon for Peace by the beach. Photographs: Peter Wild, Morag Lindsay Sutherland, Durrant MacLeod, Fred Wells, Lairg Local History Society, Zara Macdonald
His Majesty the King visits Brora - August 2025
The sun shone as His Majesty King Charles III arrived in Brora to open the redeveloped Old Clyne School, the new home of the Brora Heritage Centre. His Majesty was met on arrival by the Lord-Lieutenant, Major General Patrick Marriott, who presented Deputy Lieutenant Dawn McKenzie and Dr Nick Lindsay, Chair of Clyne Heritage Society which led the redevelopment of the building. WO1 Colin Simpson of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Senior Pipe Major of the British Army, and Brora native, played as the King arrived.
As His Majesty made his way to the building he met with members of the public who had gathered to welcome him. Dawn McKenzie introduced the King to two young Brora pupils who presented him with two posies of flowers (including the King's favourite sweet peas) which had been prepared by local florist Faye Macleod. During the visit His Majesty met a number of groups including local politicians; staff, volunteers and trustees from Brora Heritage Centre/ Clyne Heritage Society; and those who have worked on the redevelopment project. The King also met Jonathan Brett-Young who was recently awarded an MBE for services to veterans and the community of Sutherland. As he left the building, His Majesty met Jon Asanga designer of the salmon fly sculpture which now stands outside Old Clyne School and the King then unveiled a plaque marking his visit.
As ever, huge thanks to all those who agreed to be presented, who assisted in arranging the visit (both front of house and behind the scenes) and to everyone who turned out to support the village in the hosting of the King. Photograph credits: Martin Ross and Elizabeth Smythe
Jennifer Port plays the clarsach for HM King Charles III - August 2025
Jennifer Port of Golspie, a professional harpist and singer, has had the honour of playing for His Majesty King Charles III. Jennifer was invited to perform at a private reception at the Castle of Mey. To her delight, Jennifer got to meet His Majesty who thanked her for entertaining his guests and discussed her musical career with her. Jennifer said "Since receiving my invitation I have kept my Royal performance a secret. It was my honour to perform for His Majesty; I woke up this morning pinching myself to ensure that it wasn't just a dream! The King was very kind, taking his time to speak with me and to express his thanks."
The Lord-Lieutenant commented that he was "Delighted that Jennifer Port was invited to play for HM the King and his guests at the Castle of Mey. A gifted musician, Jennifer personifies the musical depth and talent in Sutherland. Her playing will have given those present a great example of skill, of style and of quality. My congratulations to her."
Made Visible Prison Art Exhibition at Dornoch Cathedral - July 2025
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch had the pleasure of opening "Made Visible" in Dornoch Cathedral, an exhibition of over 70 pieces of artwork created by prisoners from HMP Inverness. The exhibition was organised by Pictora, a social enterprise working to utilise creativity as a way to engage and help motivate people in prison. The launch included a number of guest speakers who talked about the value of the work undertaken by the prisoners with Pictora.
Opening on Monday 21 July, the exhibition was originally due to run until Friday 25 July, but has been extended over the weekend. Robert Morrall, co-director of Pictora praised the positive response to the exhibition. He explained that the aim is to change the narrative of how prisoners see themselves, which in turn can change behaviours. Photo credit - Highland News & Media
Assynt MRT training session in East Sutherland - July 2025
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team visited the Lord-Lieutenant’s house recently to start their monthly training day with well deserved bacon butty.
Covering the whole of Sutherland and Caithness, and made up entirely of trained volunteers, the team provides vital rescue services for about 10% of the whole of Scotland. They deploy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and have done so since 1976. The team currently consists of 36 members. Summer is their busiest time. If you’re heading for the hills in the north of Scotland, go prepared, watch the weather and, when concerned, have the courage not to go on. That can take more courage than to press on. Then enjoy Sutherland. www.assyntmountainrescue.co.uk
Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse - July 2025
The Royal Garden Party at Holyrood Palace took place on Tuesday 1 July with around twenty folk from Sutherland attending. The Sutherland guests, together with the Lord-Lieutenant and Mrs Marriott enjoyed afternoon tea and music from various Armed Forces bands within the gardens of the Palace.
It’s hoped the day proved to be a just reward for the immense amount of voluntary work that has been put in over the years from all those who attended. It’s always a special afternoon.
Thank you to everyone who attended, richly deserved in every case.
Photograph: Dave Goulder BEM, Henrietta Marriott and Mary Goulder
Armed Forces Day - June 2025
Saturday 28 June saw the Sutherland flag raising ceremony to mark Armed Forces Day taking place at the Memorial Garden in Golspie with music provided by members of the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band and the Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band. Attended by veterans, friends, family and members of the public from across the county as well as personnel from HMS Sutherland and Jamie Stone MP. During the ceremony Jonathan Brett-Young was presented with his MBE which was awarded in this year's New Year's Honours list for services to veterans and the vulnerable in Sutherland following over 30 years of service to both the Soldiers', Sailors' and Airmen's Families Association and the Citizens Advice Bureau. Presentation of Veterans' Badges were made to Kevin Foster and to David Hignett. The Lord-Lieutenant then made two Lord-Lieutenant's Awards of specially commissioned coasters, hand-painted with the Grass of Parnassus. One was awarded to Ewan Mackay for his work in re-establishing the County's links HMS Sutherland and liaising with them. The other was awarded to Kenny McAulay for his work with RLBS Golpie and arranging many AFD ceremonies.
King's Birthday Honours WO1 Colin Simspon MSM - June 2025
The whole Lieutenancy team would like to send their warmest congratulations to Senior Pipe Major WO1 Colin Simpson of Brora who was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in the recent Birthday Honours List. The Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming issued the following statement:
"Congratulations to Senior Pipe Major WO1 Colin Simpson SCOTS, who has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in His Majesty the King's birthday honours list. We are extremely proud of his achievement."
The Meritorious Service Medal is awarded to serving personnel who have already received the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal and in recognition of particular achievements in the course of, or outside, military duty; for example in the fields of public service, charity or the field of sport.
King's Birthday Honours Charlie Macleod MBE - June 2025
Huge congratulations to Charlie Macleod of Assynt Mountain Rescue team who was awarded an MBE in the Birthday Honours List.
Charlie, though a resident of Caithness, has served the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team in Sutherland as well for many years. The Lord-Lieutenant noted that Charlie's "dedication, sense of service and determination are an uplifting example to us all”.
Induction of Rev Carol Anne Porter to the Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland - June 2025
A wonderful Service was held in Dornoch Cathedral on Saturday 14 June to induct the Rev Carol Anne Porter to Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland. It was lead by the Presbytery Moderator, the Rev Doug McRoberts. The formal part of the service included questions of faith and commitment to Rev Porter and the congregation and was followed by Signs of Shared Ministry which involved active participation by members of the congregation both young and old. Rev Alistair Drummond then charged the minister to use the faith, love and qualities which he knows she has in abundance to work with the congregation and teach them how to dance to the presence of God.
The whole event was a wonderful celebration of Christian unity, congregation participation and spectacular choral contribution in honour of the Rev Carol Anne Porter’s Induction. Photo by Andy Kirby.
Rededication of the Reynolds Cairn - June 2025
The Cairn commemorates Guardsman James (Jim) BC Reynolds DCM 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who was killed in action during the Battle of Mount Tumbledown during the Falkland Islands Campaign and who was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the Battle. Guardsman Reynolds died on 14 June 1982 aged 19. The cairn was erected in 1983 by Alastair Bruce of Coinach (Major General, then a Lieutenant) in memory of his former orderly Guardsman Reynolds.
Following the refurbishment of the cairn by the Scots Guards Association and the Sallachy Estate, a service of rededication was held on Saturday 14 June 2025. The service was led by the Rev Dr John Cuthbert and attended by members of the Scots Guards Association, Royal British Legion Scotland, Estate staff, Sheila Stewart DL on behalf of the Lieutenancy and others. The pipers were Martin Fraser (ex-Scots Guards) and Ian Walley of the Tain Pipe Band. The citation for Guardsman Reynolds' DCM can be found at www.scotsguards.org/?soldier=james-boyle-curran-reynolds-dcm
King's Birthday Honours - Neil Dalton MBE - June 2025
The whole Lieutenancy team would like to send their warmest congratulations to Neil Dalton of the East Sutherland Rescue Association who has been awarded an MBE for services to the community in East Sutherland. ESRA has just issued the following statement and image:
"We’re absolutely delighted to share that Neil Dalton, Honorary President of East Sutherland Rescue Association, has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to the community in East Sutherland. Neil’s name will be known to many across the Highlands — not just for his 11 years as Chair of ESRA, but for his more than four decades of unwavering commitment to maritime rescue and community service. As a founding member of the organisation in 1982, he has helped shape every chapter of our story — from training volunteers to leading the helm, and from local fundraising to national advocacy. Though he stepped down as Chair only recently, Neil remains a vital part of who we are. This honour recognises the years he’s given — quietly, steadily, and always with purpose — to this community and its safety. We’re proud beyond words, even if we know he’ll be far too modest about it himself.
Congratulations, Neil — a well-deserved moment of recognition for a life of service."