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News Archive 2021 - 2022
(please see news page for current news)

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Westminster Abbey Carol Service - December 2022

On Thursday 15 December, members of the Royal Family attended a carol service at Westminster Abbey to recognise the selfless efforts of individuals, families and communities across the UK, and to celebrate and showcase the joy that human connection and togetherness can bring. Spearheaded by The Prince and Princess of Wales’ Royal Foundation, the service was dedicated to the late Queen Elizabeth II and the values she demonstrated throughout her life, including duty, empathy, faith, service, kindness, compassion and support for others. 

 

The Lieutenancy team were delighted that representatives of the Sutherland community were able to attend the service. L to R: Tracie Drummond, Sandy Sutherland, Angela Sutherland, Morag Macdonald, Mairi Eastcroft, Sandra Armes-Harris. Also attending were Beverley Hill and Mary Drylie.

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Presentation of Platinum Jubilee medals - December 2022

Congratulations to four of the superb team from the East Sutherland Rescue Association on receiving their Platinum Jubilee medals in Dornoch Cathedral. Between them they have over seventy years of voluntary service, an extraordinary figure by any standard. But these medals were awarded for more than “time spent”, though that certainly merits reward in itself. They were awarded “to reflect the courage of those who selflessly risk their lives at sea in the service of others”.

 

From L to R: Gareth Dixon, Antony Hope, Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott, Christine Graham and Neil Dalton.

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Presentation of Long Service and Good Conduct medal - December 2022

In early December Sergeant (Retired) Stephen Menzies (late 17th/21st Lancers) was finally awarded his Long Service and Good Conduct medal by Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Marriott. Sgt Menzies had become eligible on 28th April 1993, shortly before he had retired from the army. After over a quarter of a century, this was a wrong properly righted. The Lord-Lieutenant thanks The Royal Lancers for their diligence and hard work in achieving this very just result.

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VOSCARs - November 2022

The VOSCAR events, organised by Voluntary Groups Sutherland to celebrate and recognise the incredible volunteers throughout Sutherland, took place over three evenings in Rogart, Kinlochbervie and Armadale. The Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott presented certificates and congratulated all those recognised and involved. This was the first time that the VOSCARs had been awarded at multiple events across Sutherland. VOSCARs are awarded to individuals and groups whose volunteer work is nominated as being deserving of formal recognition. The Lord-Lieutenant is shown with the children of Tongue Primary School.

 

Major General Marriott commented: "It was extraordinary and very humbling. The selflessness, kindness and industry of those recognised was exceptional - and there will be many more folk who are equally amazing but who just didn’t catch the eye for whatever reason. It was as fine an example of “community spirit” that I have ever seen."

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Sutherland Remembers - November 2022

Members of the Lieutenancy team attended many of the services that were held at war memorials throughout Sutherland in order that those who gave their lives in conflict and in the service of their country might be remembered.

Photos (top to bottom, left to right) - Lairg war memorial attended by Sheila Stewart DL, Ardgay war memorial attended by Christine Mackay DL, Bonar Bridge war memorial attended by Christine Mackay DL, Brora Remembrance parade attended by Dawn McKenzie DL, Dornoch Remembrance parade attended by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch, Helmsdale Remembrance parade attended by Catriona Whitfield DL, Loth war memorial attended by Catriona Whitfield DL, Golspie Remembrance parade attended by Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott and Lochinver Remembrance parade attended by David Grant DL. In addition, Frances Gunn DL attended the Tongue Remembrance parade.

 

With thanks to Brian Adams, Louise Mackay, Durrant Macleod, David Richardson and IWM for the use of their photographs.

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New Deputy Lieutenant appointed- November 2022

On 9 November Dawn McKenzie of Brora received her commission as a Deputy Lieutenant of the county of Sutherland. Dawn was Head Teacher of Brora Primary School and latterly cluster head of both Brora and Helmsdale Primary Schools. She recently retired after her 33-year career in education. Dawn is shown being congratulated on her appointment by Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott.

Dawn joins the lieutenancy team of Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Marriott, Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch and Deputy Lieutenants David Grant, Frances Gunn, Christine Mackay, Sheila Stewart and Catriona Whitfield. Dawn's first duty will be to attend the Brora parade and wreath laying on Remembrance Sunday.

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Citizenship Ceremony - November 2022

On 3 November Deputy Lieutenant Christine Mackay attended the Citizenship Ceremony for Annika Linnea Andersson Adams from Ardgay. The Ceremony was led by Assistant Registrar Sara Krzyzanowski at the Highland Council offices in Dingwall. Annika and her husband,  Mark, have lived in Ardgay for 15 years. Annika thanked those involved for a really special day "It was far beyond my expectations. Everyone made me feel really welcome, a day to remember."

The citizenship ceremony involves making an oath, or affirmation, of allegiance and a pledge promising to respect the rights, freedoms and laws of the UK. At the end of the ceremony the new citizen receives their certificate of British citizenship and a welcome pack.

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Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Awards Ceremony - October 2022

On 6 October the Lord-Lieutenant, Major General Patrick Mariott, attended the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Long Service Awards Ceremony at Clashmore. LSO Michael Humphreys welcomed everyone to the ceremony and an opening address was made by Interim Chief Officer Ross Haggart. ICO Haggart and the Lord-Lieutenant then presented a number of Long Service and Good Conduct medals (following 20 years service). A number of 30 and 40 year service clasps were also awarded at the ceremony. Major General Marriott spoke about three of the many extraordinary qualities that fire fighters possess - courage, professionalism and selflessness.


The Fire Service Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is awarded by the Monarch, to honour those who have rendered long and meritorious service as members of the Fire Services of the United Kingdom.

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Loth War Memorial Centenary - October 2022

A service took place at Loth on Tuesday 11 October to mark the centenary of the dedication of the Loth War Memorial. Originally sited near the Loth school house on the main road, the memorial was moved to it's current site at the Loth burial ground in 2003.

Veterans from Helmsdale and Brora gathered together with residents from the parish of Loth and neighbouring parishes. The service was led by Rev Lorna Tunstall of Bunillidh and Clyne churches, a history of Loth war memorial was written and read by Esther McDonald, the exhortation was said by Catriona Whitfield DL who also laid flowers on behalf of the Lieutenancy and the parish, Mike Ellis read the names of the fallen and Stewart Bowman spoke the Kohima Epitaph. 

Thank you to everyone who attended and to those who helped to curate and arrange the service.

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Assynt Mountain Rescue Team to receive 'Tree of Trees' - October 2022

Assynt Mountain Rescue Team has been chosen as one of a nationwide network of over 300 inspiring charities and organisations as part of the living legacy from the Queen's Green Canopy 'Tree of Trees'. The 'Tree of Trees' stood tall as a message of hope, regeneration and optimism as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations (pictured), the trees which made up the 'Tree of Trees' will now go to each of the chosen recipients for planting.  The organisations, which were chosen in collaboration with Lord-Lieutenants, are said to “embody a spirit of selflessness and support with a purpose dedicated to the betterment of their communities, the environment and the nation". 

Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland, Major General Patrick Marriott commented “The Assynt Mountain Rescue Team was an obvious and very strong contender to be awarded a “tree of trees”. Serving both Sutherland and Caithness, they represent the very best of the volunteer ethos and have saved so many lives over the years. Given The Queen’s love of mountains too, this just felt entirely appropriate. I have spoken to Tim Hamlet, the current Team Leader, who is understandably thrilled that his team was selected."

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Lairg War Memorial Centenary - September 2022

A service took place at Lairg on 30 September to mark the centenary of the unveiling of the Lairg War Memorial; the memorial was decorated with a fall of poppies made by friends from many places, near and far. 

 

Piper Layla Dalton led in those attending, including relatives of those named on the memorial, members of Legion Scotland, members of the Lieutenancy team, representatives of local churches, local volunteers and many from the parish and further afield. The service was led by Sandy Sutherland of Lairg Christian Fellowship, with contributions from Rev Hilary Gardner, Jonathon Brett Young, Irene Grant, Sheila Stewart DL, Angela Sutherland and Rev Ben Fiddian.


The service was live streamed and a video is available through the Lairg Sutherland Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/1431004307203067/videos/655805399227662

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Service of Remembrance for Queen Elizabeth II - September 2022

A service of remembrance to commemorate the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II took place at Dornoch Cathedral on Sunday 25 September. Rev Carol Anne Porter led the call to worship, prayers and readings were led by Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott, Jamie Stone MP, Rev Mary Stobo, Fr Derick McCulloch and Rev Alister McInnes; the Tribute was given by the Most Rev Mark Strange, Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness.

The service was live streamed and the video is now available through the Sutherland Presbytery Facebook page (the service begins at around 21:40 minutes in) 

https://www.facebook.com/Sutherland.Presbytery/videos/776377463687493

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Marking the retirement of former Lord-Lieutenant Dr Monica Main - September 2022

A specially commissioned Highland Stoneware bowl was presented to former Lord-Lieutenant Dr Monica Main to mark her retirement from the Lieutenancy. Dr Main was Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland for 17 years following her appointment in 2005.

 

Members of the Lieutenancy team, past and present, gathered for lunch to thank Dr Main for her service and to present her with the commemorative bowl.

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Rogart War Memorial Centenary - September 2022

A service to mark the centenary of the Rogart Memorial took place on 24 September led by Rev Hilary Gardner of Lairg, with wreaths laid by the Royal British Legion Scotland Rogart branch, RBLS Creich & Kincardine branch, Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart for the Lieutenancy, Rogart Community Council and Rogart Heritage Society (RHS). The names on the memorial were read by Raymond Ross of RHS, and small wooden crosses inscribed with the memorial names were placed by relatives and local children. Dr Alasdair B Mearns piped for the service and Rachel Allan read a history of war memorials.

 

Photograph by Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera.

 

The service was livestreamed and the video is now available on the Rogart Heritage Society Facebook page (service starts 3 minutes in) https://www.facebook.com/RogartHeritage/videos/630885958423179

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State Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II - September 2022

The Lord-Lieutenant, along with all other Lord-Lieutenants from across the UK, attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II on Monday 19 September.
It was a huge privilege to be invited. In just over twenty years I met The Queen eleven times and every time felt special. She had many gifts but, for me, her capacity to “think through others eyes” stands out”. It perhaps gives us a clue about her extraordinary capacity to bring people together, to create common purpose, to heal divisions. Her insight was extraordinary.
The massive crowds in London, to an extent, reflected this gift too. For just a few hours people from every walk of life, irrespective of race, colour or creed came together in the most watched spectacle in world history. There was a unique unity in the crowds; differences were put aside, petty bickering and division had no place. It was, I am certain, what The Queen would have wished.

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Piping of the Immortal Memory - September 2022

Sutherland joined Scotland's tribute to the Queen on the evening of Sunday 18 September, prior to the following day's state funeral, when Piper Willie Fraser played “The Immortal Memory” at Dornoch Cathedral Green.

A video of the playing of the lament is available on the Lieutenancy facebook page at -https://www.facebook.com/sutherlandlieutenancy/videos

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Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh - September 2022

The Lord-Lieutenant, along with all the Lord-Lieutenants across Scotland, attended the Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral on Monday 12 September. 
“It was an extraordinary privilege to attend, as the King’s representative in Sutherland, such a remarkably moving and important service - so very perfectly enacted by the Church in Scotland. I was struck by the depth and strength of feeling that her sad death has so clearly generated. The unity on the streets was remarkable - a sense of coming together”.
“The many commentaries, the Thanksgiving Service and the crowds all showed The Queen's genuine love of Scotland; its beauty, its ways and, above all else, it’s people. Perhaps this love of Scotland was derived in part from what she had gained herself from our country: a love of nature - through her retreat at Balmoral; an intuitive hospitality - from its many welcomes;  a deep sense of compassion - from its turbulent history. And there is so much more”.
“It was a day when Scotland gave of her best - as it farewell’d one of her own.”

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Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III - September 2022

On Saturday 10 2022 September King Charles III was formally proclaimed at the Accession Council, the Principal Proclamation was then made from St James's Palace.


The following day, the Proclamation was read at the Mercat Cross in Edinburgh and then in Inverness. Subsequently, the Proclamation was read at Cathedral Green in Dornoch by Chair of the Sutherland County Committee, Councillor Richard Gale, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott.

A video of the Dornoch reading of the Proclamation is available on the Lieutenancy facebook page at -

https://www.facebook.com/sutherlandlieutenancy/videos

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Gardens of Remembrance, Books of Condolence, Services of Remembrance - September 2022

Across Sutherland in the days following the death of Her Majesty The Queen, Gardens of Remembrance and Books of Condolence were opened and communities held their own Services of Remembrance.

Photographs (top to bottom, left to right) - Lochinver Wreath laying (David Grant DL), Bonar Bridge wreath laying (Christine Mackay DL), Dornoch wreath laying (Lord Lieutenant Patrick Marriott), Dornoch wreath laying (Kim Tulloch DL), wreath laid at Brora Garden of Remembrance (Catriona Whitfield DL), Gladys McCulloch signing the Book of Condolence at Bonar Bridge, the Book of Condolence at Helmsdale, Golspie Service of Remembrance (organised by the RBLS Golspie and the Royal Naval Association) and the Melness Service of Remembrance (organised by the Far North Fellowship). 

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Wreath laying - Saturday 10 September

The Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants will be laying wreaths on behalf of King Charles III at the designated Gardens of Remembrance across the county on Saturday 10 September. They will be joined by representatives of the Community Councils and members of the Royal British Legion Scotland.

Locations and times as follows:


Dornoch, Dornoch Cathedral, 1000 hrs
Bettyhill, Bettyhill War Memorial, 1100 hrs
Bonar Bridge, Bonar Bridge War Memorial, 1100 hrs
Brora, Brora War Memorial, 1100 hrs
Golspie, Golspie War Memorial, 1100 hrs
Lochinver, Lochinver War Memorial, 1100 hrs


Members of the public are welcome to attend.

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Queen Elizabeth II     1926 - 2022

Books of Condolence and memorial gardens

Following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, The Highland Council have confirmed the locations for their physical books of condolence and gardens of remembrance across the region - https://www.highland.gov.uk/condolence  Additional books have been arranged at Helmsdale and Lairg community centres, these will be ingathered with the Highland Council books at the end of the mourning period.

An online book is also available through the link above and also on the Royal Family website at www.royal.uk

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Queen Elizabeth II     1926 - 2022

Statement by the Lord Lieutenant:

 

Her Majesty the Queen was the longest serving of any British Sovereign; throughout her seventy years as Queen she was an extraordinary and enduring example to her people. Her dedication,
service and compassion in both war and in peace marked her out as an exemplar. She was a symbol of stability to us all. Of her many gifts perhaps the greatest was her capacity to bring out the best in her people - whom she loved. She understood the need and time for joy and reflection.


My deepest condolences to all members of the Royal Family. Let us look back with gratitude to The Queen and look forward to offering our support and loyalty to The King.

God Save The King

Alexander Sutherland, Lord Strathnaver

The Lord-Lieutenant, on behalf of the Sutherland Lieutenancy, conveys deepest condolences to Alistair, Earl of Sutherland (Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland 1993-2017) and the Countess of Sutherland following the tragic death of their son Alexander Sutherland, Lord Strathnaver.

 

The Lieutenancy’s thoughts and prayers are with the whole Sutherland family at this difficult time.

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Centenary of the dedication of the Golspie War Memorial - August 2022

The Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland Major General Patrick Marriott spoke and laid a wreath at a ceremony to mark the centenary of the dedication of the Golspie War Memorial. After Major General Marriott had spoken of the history of the memorial, Pipe Major Erin Monaghan played a lament and a 2 minute silence was observed by those present, including both veterans and others from the village. 
 

Ministers Eric Paterson and John Sterrett delivered a reading and led prayers before the RBLS Golspie President Major Alisdair Miller proposed a toast to those that fell. 
 

Photo credit RBLS Golspie

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Assynt Mountain Rescue Team awarded Jubilee Medals - August 2022

Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott presented 20 members of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team with the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal during a family afternoon, held at the MRT base at Inchadamph. The 20 volunteers who received the medal have between them given over 230 years of service to mountain rescue. The Assynt Mountain Rescue volunteers provide 24 hour emergency support for search and rescue across Caithness and Sutherland, the current team leader is Tim Hamlet.

The Platinum Jubilee medal is being awarded to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee and as a token of the nation's thanks to serving members of the Armed Forces and the Police, Fire, Emergency and Prison Services, who have completed 5 years of service.

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Ardgay War Memorial Centenary - August 2022

Deputy Lieutenant Christine Mackay attended the centenary commemorative service for the Kincardine War Memorial at Ardgay and laid a wreath on behalf of the Lieutenancy. Also attending were Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart,  Lt Col Colin Gilmour and other members of RBLS Creich & Kincardine Branch, Rev Darwin Smith, Rev Mary Stobo, Piper Angus Smith and many members of the community. The service included a re-dedication of the memorial, a reading of the names and an act of remembrance. 

Following the service, refreshments were served in Ardgay Public Hall.

Photo credit Mark Foggin

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Duke of Rothesay's visit to Rogart - August 2022

His Royal Highness Prince Charles Duke of Rothesay, accompanied by the Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland Major General Patrick Marriott, visited Rogart to open the auction mart which has been refurbished as a music and cultural venue by the Rogart Development Trust with the support of a number of funders. The Prince met members of the Trust, members of the Lieutenancy team, members of the community and descendants of the mart’s founders. Entertainment was provided by accordionists from Monica Maclean’s Rogart Martistes, dancers from Rogart Primary School past and present, fiddle and accordion duo Eilidh Mackay and Georgie Maclennan, and singer Chrissie Allan. 

After the opening of the Mart, the prince met local veterans as he visited Rogart’s war memorial in its' 100th anniversary year.

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Lord-Lieutenant's retirement - July 2022

The Lieutenancy has announced that Dr Monica Main will retire as Lord-Lieutenant at the start of August after 17 years as the Queen’s representative in the county. In 2005 Dr Main became the first woman to be appointed Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland. The Lieutenancy team join the community in thanking Dr Main for her many years of service and wish her well in her retirement. The image shows Dr Main receiving her CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order) at Holyrood Palace. The Royal Victorian Order recognises distinguished personal service to the Monarch and was awarded in recognition of Dr Main's service as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland.

Dr Main will be succeeded by Major General Patrick Marriott who joined the Lieutenancy team as a Deputy Lieutenant in 2013, becoming Vice-Lord Lieutenant in 2021.

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Dornoch War Memorial Centenary - June 2022

Lord-Lieutenant Dr Monica Main and Deputy Lieutenant Kim Tulloch joined Councillor Jim McGillivray in laying wreaths during a service of Commemoration and Rededication at the Dornoch War Memorial; the service was led by the Rev Currall. 

Derrick McAskill played The Sands of Kuwait, a pipe tune commemorating the Gulf War service of the 1st Battalion Queen's Own Highlanders, prayers were said, and a two minute silence held as the fallen were remembered. Children from Dornoch's schools planted small wooden crosses for each of the 100 names on the memorial and the Historylinks Young Curators group told the story of the memorial.

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Armed Forces Week flag raising - June 2022

On the Monday at the start of Armed Forces Week a number of members of the Lieutenancy team joined members of the Royal British Legion Scotland and veterans from the county in attending the raising of the Armed Forces Day flag at the Golspie war memorial. In addition the Lord-Lieutenant Dr Monica Main made a special Long Service Medal presentation on behalf of SSAFA (Sutherland) to mark Jonathan Brett Young's 30 years of service to SSAFA.

 

After the flag raising and presentation refreshments were provided by the Friends of Sutherland Veterans.

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The Queen's Platinum Jubliee weekend - June 2022

The first weekend in June was the main Jubilee celebration weekend, marking 70 years since the Queen's Coronation, held on 2 June 1953 at Westminster Abbey in London.

 

Events celebrating the Jubilee were held throughout the county and included: the lighting of beacons, community meals, ceilidhs, tree-planting, walks, church services and fetes.

Photos (top to bottom, left to right): 

- Community tea at Lairg, with Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart

- Beacon lighting in Ardgay/ Bonar Bridge, photo credit Marc Foggin

- Tree planting at Bunillidh Church, Helmsdale, photo credit Bunillidh Church

- Sutherland Schools Pipe Band and Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band playing at the Brora                           Jubilee Fete, photo credit Brora Primary School 

- Vice Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott, Ali Ross and Winston the Bear fire the                          canon at the start of the Dornoch Street Party, photo credit Catherine MacCulloch 

- Lord-Lieutenant Dr Monica Main planting one of 3 flowering cherry trees at the Scottish Episcopal                Church in Brora.

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Golspie welcomes refugees from Ukraine - May 2022

3 refugees from Ukraine have arrived in Golspie and are being hosted by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott and his family. Patrick commented that "The village and the community council have rallied around this incredibly. Offers have come in, between three or four calls a day, providing help in so many different ways. Whether it is lending of bicycles for transport, or offers of work.Offers of work, in fact, have been quite important as the girls want to pay something back. Not just paying us back, but paying the community back as well, so they are keen to work in the community and that is being arranged at the moment."

Mrs Marriott, secretary of Golspie Community Council observed "This is very much a community effort. We realise as a community council that if we can provide good support for refugees and, crucially, for hosting families as well, it would be better done on a community level."

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Battle of Littleferry Memorial Dedication - April 2022

The dedication took place on 15 April 2022 of the memorial to those who fell, from both sides, during the Battle of Littleferry 1746. The Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Monica Main, laid a wreath on behalf of the Sutherland Lieutenancy, wreaths were also laid by the Royal British Legion and descendants of those who fought on both sides of the battle. Vice Lord-Lieutenant Major General Patrick Marriott initiated the idea of the memorial and battlefield trail, gathering a project team together which then took the idea forward.

Pipers from Sutherland Caledonian Pipe Band, Sutherland Schools Pipe Band and Tain Pipe Band played 'The Battle of Littleferry' written by SSPB Pipe Major April Sutherland, the dedication was given and Henrietta Marriott gave a moving speech on behalf of her husband.

 

Link: YouTube -  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S5WGxaW5zgg

Link: BBC Out of Doors, at 1:12:16 - https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00167y9

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Margaret Payne of Lochinver receiving her BEM - March 2022

Mrs Margaret Payne is shown receiving her BEM (British Empire Medal) from Vice Lord-Lieutenant Patrick Marriott at a lunch hosted by Mrs Margaret Vestey.

Mrs Payne was awarded her BEM in recognition of her community work, having raised almost £400,000 for NHS Charities Together and Highland Hospice during lockdown by climbing the equivalent height of Suilven on her stairs at home.

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Helmsdale planting for the Queen's Green Canopy - March 2022

Deputy Lieutenant Catriona Whitfield is pictured with the Helmsdale Woodlanders planting native saplings in the New Marrel wood in the strath above Helmsdale. The saplings were donated as part of the Queen's Green Canopy (QGC) Jubilee Celebrations.

The Green Canopy is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee”. Further information is available at queensgreencanopy.org

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Opening of the Community Bothy Ardgay - March 2022

Deputy Lieutenant Christine Mackay is pictured opening the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust's new Community Bothy in Ardgay.

KoSDT manager David Watson gave a short address to invited guests, as did Ms Mackay and project manager Beverley Hill. The Community Larder will operate as a food larder and social space, helping to reduce food waste and support the community.

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Remembrance Sunday 2021

Following the restricted events of 2020, the Lieutenancy team was able to join with our communities in marking Remembrance Sunday with services and parades at many memorials across the county in order that those who gave their lives in conflict might be remembered.

Photos: Deputy Lieutenant David Grant laying the wreath at the Assynt War Memorial in Lochinver. (L)

             Deputy Lieutenant Christine Mackay laying the wreath at Creich War Memorial (Below L)

             Deputy Lieutenant Kim Tulloch laying the wreath at Dornoch War Memorial (Below C)

             Deputy Lieutenant Catriona Whitfield attending the service at Helmsdale War Memorial (BelowR)

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150th anniversary of the Duke of Sutherland's railway - August 2021

Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay paid a visit to Dunrobin Castle Station on Sunday to mark the 150th anniversary of the opening of the stretch of the North Highland line between Golspie and Helmsdale, originally opened on 16 May 1871.

The Lord Lieutenant Dr Monica Main greeted the His Royal Highness and presented the Earl of Sutherland, representatives of the railway industry and other guests to the Prince. A tour of the station was followed by a reception on the station's platform.

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Armed Forces Day - June 2021

Armed Forces Day 2021 was marked in a quietly with a flag raising at both Drummuie and in Golspie.  The Lieutenancy was represented by Vice Lord-Lieutenant Lt Col Colin Gilmour.

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100th anniversary of Royal British Legion Scotland - June 2021

18 June marked the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal British Legion Scotland. The occasion was marked in Golspie by laying a wreath and toast to the founder, Field Marshall Haig, and to the next 100 years of RBLS.

Major Alisdair Miller laid the wreath on behalf of the RBLS Golspie branch and Kenny McAulay read out the toast on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant.

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100th anniversary of Rosehall War Memorial - June 2021

12 June saw a gathering of descendants of those named on the Rosehall War Memorial in order to mark the 100th anniversary of the Memorial's unveiling. The Rosehall Memorial was the first to be unveiled in Sutherland after WW1. Vice Lord-Lieutenant Lt Col Colin Gilmour welcomed everyone before Layla Dalton piped When the Battle’s O’er.

Wreaths were then laid on behalf of the Sutherland Lieutenancy by Lt Col Gilmour, on behalf of Creich & Kincardine branch of Legion Scotland by David Hannah and on behalf of the Lovat Scouts by Hermione Lee, whose great-great-grandfather Allan Gilmour is named on the memorial.  As each name on the memorial was read, a small cross of remembrance was laid by either a family descendant or another of those assembled.

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David Beaumont, Brora, 100th birthday - May 2021

In May this year David Beaumont celebrated his 100th birthday. Born in Invergordon Mr Beaumont has lived in Brora for 60 years. Mr Beaumont served with the 51st Highland Division which was forced to surrender after offering heroic resistance at St Valery-en-Caux in 1940. He eventually escaped after nearly five years in a PoW camp.

The photograph is of Mr & Mrs Beaumont with a piper from the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band and local members of the Royal British Legion Scotland who delivered a card to Mr Beaumont which celebrated both his and the Legion's 100 years. Mr Beaumont also received a 100th birthday card from Her Majesty the Queen.

Photograph: Kenny Mcaulay

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Annie Baxendale, Dornoch, 100th birthday - May 2021

On  Sunday 16 May Mrs Annie Baxendale celebrated her 100th Birthday at the Meadows Care Home in Dornoch recently with her daughter Mrs Kim Tulloch DL and her family.

Dr Monica Main the Lord-Lieutenant presented her with a card from the Queen and the Meadows provided canapés and musical entertainment.

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Northern Pilgrims' Way launch event - May 2021

The Lord-Lieutenant Dr Main attended a service at St Duthus Church, Tain to dedicate and launch the Northern Pilgrims' Way. The event was restricted because of pandemic restrictions but the weather compensated with warm sunshine and blue skies.

 

The route re-establishes the medieval pilgrimage route between Tain and Kirkwall. 

The image is the logo for the Northern Pilgrims' Way.

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The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 - 2021

On 9 April 2021 Buckingham Palace announced the death of the Duke of Edinburgh:

 

"It is with deep sorrow that Her Majesty The Queen announces the death of her beloved husband, His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. ​His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle. The Royal Family join with people around the world in mourning his loss."

Dr Main, Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland said: "The death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh has been met with a sense of great sadness. On behalf of the Lieutenancy and the people of Sutherland, I extend our deepest sympathy to Her Majesty the Queen and to all members of the Royal Family."

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