News Archive 2015 - 2020
(please see news page for current news)
New Year's Honours List - December 2019
In recognition of her community work and services to Art, Heritage and the community of Helmsdale, Penelope Ann Woodley of Gartymore, was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal).
Sutherland Remembers - November 2019
Services were held at war memorials throughout Sutherland in memory of those who gave their lives in WW1, WW2 and other recent conflicts.
The Vice Lord-Lieutenant Lt Col Colin Gilmour joined the community of Rosehall, taking part in the service and laying a wreath on behalf of the Lieutenancy.
The Royal Lancers visit - June 2019
A Squadron of The Royal Lancers were in the North on exercise and attended a special wreath laying ceremony at Golspie War Memorial.
They were joined by the Lord-Lieutenant Dr Monica Main, Deputy Lieutenant Maj Gen Patrick Marriott, members of the public, Royal British Legion Scotland and the Royal Naval Association. It was a very moving service.
Photograph: Louise Mackay Photography
Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet - June 2019
Cadet Sergeant Hunter Ross, from Dornoch Detachment 1st Battalion The Highlanders, ACF, has been appointed Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet.
After inspecting the Detachment the Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland, Dr Main presented Sgt Ross with his certificate of appointment. The presentation was attended by Ross Company Commander Major George MacDonald as well as members of Sgt Ross's family.
As Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, Sgt Ross will attend events which the Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland attends in her capacity as Her Majesty The Queen's appointed representative of the area.
Jellicoe Express Centenary - May 2019
The Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland, Dr Main, joined primary school pupils from across the Far North attending celebrations in the Flow Country to mark the centenary of the final World War I journey of the Royal Navy train - the Jellicoe Express.
The Flows to the Future (FTTF) project team and RSPB Scotland hosted a day of activities at the Forsinard Flows Nature Reserve while the nearby Forsinard railway station received a commemorative plaque. The Jellicoe Express service was originally used in WWI to transport naval personnel from Euston to Thurso, from where they travelled on to Orkney's Scapa Flow naval base. Forsinard was the penultimate stop before Thurso and it was where the engines would take on additional water.
Sapphire Wedding Anniversary - March 2019
Joey and John Duncan, of Brora, celebrated their sapphire wedding anniversary and marked 65 years with a small family gathering in the Cambusavie Unit in Golspie, where Joey was being cared for by the staff.
Amongst the many gifts received were a bouquet of flowers from the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Main, and a card from Queen Elizabeth.
Remembrance Sunday 2020
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic Remembrance events were not able to take place in the way in which they normally would throughout Sutherland. Instead wreaths were laid individually by the Lieutenancy team and others at the many memorials across the county in order that those who gave their lives in conflict might be remembered.
Queen's Birthday Honours - October 2020
In recognition of her community work, Margaret Payne of Lochinver was awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal). Mrs Payne raised almost £400,000 for NHS Charities Together and Highland Hospice by climbing the equivalent height of Suilven on her stairs at home.
In recognition of her service as Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland Dr Main was awarded CVO (Commander of the Royal Victorian Order). The Royal Victorian Order recognises distinguished personal service to the Monarch.
Commemorating VJ day - August 2020
Members of the Golspie branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland marked VJ (Victory in Japan) Day in August.
A small parade took place at the village’s War Memorial after which branch secretary Kenny McAulay gave a short address. There followed a two minute silence and the laying of wreaths by Deputy Lieutenant, Major General Patrick Marriott, on behalf of the Lieutenancy; and Peter Polson MBE on behalf of the Golspie branch. Maj Gen Marriott went on to propose a toast to and paid tribute to those who made it through some of the most difficult times in our military history.
Photograph: RBLS, Golspie branch
New Members of the Lieutenancy Team - July 2020
The following appointments appeared in the London and Edinburgh Gazettes of July 2020.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland, Dr Monica Main has recently appointed the following as Deputy Lieutenants of Sutherland:
Christine Mackay of Ardgay,
Graeme Smart of Kinlochbervie, and
Catriona Whitfield of Loth.
Laying the Community Wreath, Brora - January 2020
Brora paid tribute to its war dead at the village’s annual New Year’s Day wreath laying ceremony. Local resident Morag Sutherland was invited to lay the community wreath by event organisers, Friends of Clyne War Memorial Association.
The Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Main, attended the ceremony along with her cadet, Hunter Ross. Piper Danny Parkin played a lament from the top of the war memorial before and after the ceremony.
Sixty men and one woman from the parish gave their lives in WWI.
Photograph: Friends of Clyne War Memorial
Sutherland Flag unveiled - December 2018
The new Sutherland county flag was formally raised for the first time by a party of active and retired sailors from HMS Sutherland at a ceremony in Golspie. Accompanied by the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band, the sailors were also joined by councillors, the Lord-Lieutenant and the Court of the Lord Lyon.
Residents of Sutherland voted on a short list of designs and chose the design of a Saltire overlaid with a black Nordic cross. The design represents Sutherland’s unique position as the historic mainland frontier between Scotland and the Vikings. The crossed form represents the sun at its highest point in the South and the origins of the county’s name as the Viking’s ‘South Land’. The colours were inspired by those of the former Sutherland County Council.
Sutherland remembers - November 2018
Services were held at war memorials throughout Sutherland in memory of those who gave their lives in WW1, WW2 and other recent conflicts.
Pipers from Sutherland Schools Pipe Band led the parade at Brora followed by the official party comprising Lord-Lieutenant Dr Main; attended by her Cadet, Cadet Sgt Murdo Whitfield; Russel Rekhy of Brora Community Council and others.
Members of the armed forces and local youth organisations also took part with pupils from Brora Primary School also laying a wreath.
Armed Forces Day, Golspie - June 2018
During the flag raising ceremony on 25 June 2018 to celebrate Armed Forces Day the Lord-Lieutenant was attended by both her outgoing Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet, Cadet Sgt Rhuaridh Jack and her incoming Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet, Cadet Sgt Murdo Whitfield.
The ceremony was well attended by veterans, members of local veteran's associations, the Sutherland Schools Pipe Band and members of the public.
Photograph: Colin Gilmour
Dornoch detachment provides 2 Lord-Lieutenant's Cadets - May 2018
The Dornoch detachment of 1st Battalion The Highlanders ACF have provided two new Lord-Lieutenant's Cadets. Ruben Aitchison of Dornoch became the new Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet for Ross-shire and Murdo Whitfield of Helmsdale became the new Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet for Sutherland. Both were presented their certificates by their respective Lord-Lieutenants.
Cadet Cpl Aitchison and Cadet Cpl Whitfield are pictured with the Battalion's Commandant, Colonel Ian Cassidy.
Royal Wedding - April 2018
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle asked Lord-Lieutenants throughout the UK to nominate 1,200 people to join the celebrations of their wedding. Nominees to include young people who have shown strong leadership, and those who have served their communities.
Helen Houston, from Golspie, development manager of the Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust, was nominated to by the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Main, in recognition of Ms Houston's work in the community. Ms Houston has been responsible for bringing significant amounts in grant funding to East Sutherland.
Ms Houston was accompanied by Beverley Hill, who runs the trust’s “Keep Active Together” and “Community Food Stop” projects to promote health and wellbeing.
Highland Military Tattoo at Fort George - September 2017
The Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland, Dr Monica Main, attended the Highland Military Tattoo at Fort George, Ardesier. The event was a celebration of the Highlands' links to the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force and the culture of the region.
The tattoo's programme include re-enactments, massed pipes and drums, Highland dancing and flypasts by military aircraft. This year's celebration included events recognising 75 years of the formation of the RAF Regiment and next year's 100th anniversary of the RAF.
The tattoo closed with a fireworks display. Photograph: HRFCA
Matheson 60th Wedding Anniversary July 2017
The Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland, Dr Monica Main, presented a card from Her Majesty to Mr & Mrs Matheson on the occasion of their 60th wedding anniversary.
Armed Forces Day - June 2017
During the flag raising ceremony for Armed Forces Day at Drummuie on 19 June, Company Sergeant Major Instructor Ian Woolley, from Dornoch Detachment, 1 Highlanders ACF was awarded a Lord-Lieutenant's Certificate of Meritorious Service for his many years of service to the Army Cadets.
CSMI Woolley is pictured receiving his certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Monica Main.
Armed Forces Day - June 2017
During the flag raising ceremony for Armed Forces Day at Drummuie on 19 June, Peter Ross of Golspie received his Veteran's badge.
Mr Ross is pictured receiving his medal from Deputy Lieutenant, Kim Tulloch.
Opening of Cadogan Terrace at the Cambusavie Unit - April 2017
Members of the Lieuteancy team attended the opening, by Lord and Lady Cadogan, of a specially-designed ‘open space’ patio at the Lawson Memorial Hospital, to be known as Cadogan Terrace.
Before the unveiling, dignitaries and visitors were piped in by the Sutherland Pipe Band before being shown around the unit’s cancer and palliative care facilities at the Golpsie hospital.
The terrace was very generously organised and partially funded by the Lawson Cambusavie Memorial Hospital Friends with the majority of the donation from Lord Cadogan and his family.
Photograph: NHS Highland
Parade & Service for Laying Up & Dedication of new Creich & Kincardine Branch Standard - September 2016
Following a church service at Creich Church on 25 September,2016, the new Branch Standard of the Creich and Kincardine Royal British Legion Scotland was paraded in Bonar Bridge in the presence of the Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland, Dr Main.
Helmsdale Harbour Day - August 2016
Deputy Lieutenant Flower Thompson attended Helmsdale Harbour Day where she, together with Andy Sutherland, presented a cheque for £6000 to RNLI Wick Coxswain Ian (Corrie) Cormack.
The cheque was the result of the Helmsdale branch's fundraising over the past year.
Queen’s Badge Presentation - July 2016
Samuel Jones from Ardgay was presented with the Queen’s Badge on 3 July 2016.
The Queen’s Badge is the highest honour that can be awarded to a member of the Boy’s Brigade. Looking on are Mr Donald Simmonds, retired B.B. captain of Ardgay / Bonar Bridge Company ,and Samuel’s father Rev Anthony Jones.
Flag Raising Ceremony at Drummuie, Golspie - June 2016
During the flag raising ceremony at Drummuie to mark Armed Forces Day, veterans paraded together with members of 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadets. During the ceremony various presentations also took place:
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Andrew Mackenzie received a British Empire Medal from the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Main, in recognition of his services to the community of Dornoch (pictured);
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Bill Main received the Arctic Star on behalf of his father,Robert Main;
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Sydney Bright was presented with the South Arabian Clasp;
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Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart from Lairg presented Mr Donald Morrison with his Veteran’s Badge;
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Alister Fraser from Trantlebeg,Forsinard received a Highland Stoneware bowl from Deputy Lieutenant Kim Tulloch to mark Mr Fraser's retirement from the Lieutenancy; and
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Cadet Sgt Alyson Mackay from Dornoch received her Commission as Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for a further year.
Anne Balance bravery award - March 2016
On 31st January 2015 a devastating fire swept through Invernauld, Rosehall, home of the Gilmour family since 1922. Despite the valiant effort of her carer, Anne Balance and the fire crews, it was not possible to save either Lady Gilmour or the house.
For her distinguished actions at night, which went above the call of duty, in risking her own life to try and save another, Anne was awarded a special bravery award from the Society for the Protection of Life from Fire.
Mrs Blanace is pictured receiving her award from the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Main.
Elsie Tait, Golspie, 100th birthday - December 2015
On 4 December 2015 Mrs Elsie Tait from Golspie celebrated her 100th birthday.
Mrs Tait is pictured with the card that she received from Her Majesty, the Queen.
David and Ishbel Beaumont, Brora, 60th wedding anniversary - September 2015
On 9 September, Mr and Mrs Beaumont celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary with their family in the Brora Golf Club.
Mr & Mrs Beaumont are pictured with the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Main, as she presented them with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty, the Queen.
Sheila Stewart, Lairg, received Deputy Lieutenant Commission - June 2015
Following the Flag Raising Ceremony at Drummuie, on 22 June, Deputy Lieutenant Sheila Stewart from Lairg, was presented with her Commission and Badge of Office from the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Monica Main.
Gordon Raspin, South Atlantic medal - June 2015
During the Flag Raising Ceremony for Armed Forces Day at Drummuie, on 22 June, Gordon Raspin received his South Atlantic 1982 medal from the Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Monica Main.