New Deputy Lieutenants of Banffshire appointed
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Two new Deputy Lieutenants of Banffshire have been announced.
Frances McKay and Patricia Lawson were commissioned to the posts at a ceremony that took take place at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen.
They fill the vacancies created by the retirement of Jim Walker CBE and the appointment of Andrew Simpson to the role of Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire.
Deputy Lieutenants support the Lord-Lieutenant within the county.
This includes commending to the Lord-Lieutenant the names of candidates for invitation to Royal Garden Parties and suggesting on suitable enterprises, both voluntary and professional, which might be the subject of a Royal visit.
They may also assist with honours nominations and for the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service and the Queens’ Award for Enterprise.
They will also deputise for the Lord-Lieutenant on occasions such as Remembrance Day ceremonies.
Mr Simpson said: "I am delighted to welcome Tricia and Frances as Deputies to the Banffshire Lieutenancy.
"As well as their personal skills and qualities, both bring with them vast experience from serving in and involvement with their local communities.
"I am looking forward to working with them as we serve and promote the Banffshire community and area.”
Mrs McKay was educated at Macduff Primary School and Banff Academy before graduating in Law from the University of Aberdeen.
Since 1986 she joined the family firm of Walter Gerrard & Co in Macduff, becoming the third generation of her family to do so.
She is a past president of the Society of Solicitors of Banffshire and is currently its professional development convenor.
She has also been a council member of the Law Society of Scotland.
Mrs McKay is a trustee of the Sir Thomas Broun Smith Memorial Trust, a charity set up to support law students at the University of Aberdeen.
She is active in many different groups and events within Banff and Macduff and is currently vice-chairwoman of the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society as well as sitting on the committee of the Macduff Heritage Society.
Mrs Lawson has lived in the Ballindalloch area of Banffshire for many years.
Her career has included a castle guide and teaching skiing and she has been involved in many local organisations.
These include serving with the charity Cruse as a bereavement counsellor and running its helpline.
For 27 years she has been the secretary of the Speyside branch of the Macmillan Cancer Support group.
She also held several roles with the Inveravon school PTA and board. She helped in the school as a volunteer.
She was chairwoman of the Glenlivet and Inveravon Community Association and is currently the group’s secretary. This has involved representing the organisation on various forums.
She is also clerk to the Congregational Board of Tomintoul, Glenlivet and Inveravon Church.
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