Lieutenancy recruits and retirees

It was a case of hello and goodbye as Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jill Young MBE, welcomed three new Deputy Lieutenants and bade farewell to three who have retired at the end of their service.

‘The Lieutenancy is losing more than six decades of experience and service as we say goodbye to three DLs who have been steadfast in their support and whose activities have spanned hundreds of varied events throughout the community. They will be missed, but I am sure that the three new appointments we made will make an equally important contribution in the months and years ahead.’

Joining the Lieutenancy after a career as a senior police officer are Elaine Ferguson, former RAF officer Joe Stanfield and Liz Connolly, the former principal of West College Scotland.

They join as three DLs retire after a total of 63 years service between them. Pat Steel DL from Milngavie was appointed as a DL in 2008, previously she served for more than 40 years as a teacher in different roles. She then became a local councillor before being elected the Provost of East Dunbartonshire Council in 2003.

Anne Walker JP DL from Cumbernauld was appointed in 2004 and has taken on many roles over her service and most recently has led and co-ordinated the attendance of DLs to deliver 100^th Birthday & 60^th Anniversary Cards on behalf of His Majesty the King. A teacher for 35 years, Justice of the Peace for 38 years and with over 30 years as an officer in the Boys Brigade, her knowledge and experience were invaluable for the Lieutenancy. She was also a very active DL advocate for the East of the Lieutenancy.

Helensburgh-based Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE DL Hon DEd, was appointed as a DL in 2000.  Her career spanned many senior roles as a PE teacher, youth leader and then in a number of leadership positions as an officer in the Royal Navy. Gill has fulfilled a significant range of DL roles over that time, she was appointed Acting Lord-Lieutenant in 2008 when at extremely short notice she stepped in to fully organise a very successful royal visit by the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip to The Golden Jubilee National Hospital to celebrate the NHS in Scotland 60^th Anniversary and the official opening of Scotland’s Heart and Lung Centre.

She then became Vice Lord-Lieutenant and organised all activities across the Lieutenancy and was a valued mentor, advisor and friend to all new DLs including the current Lord-Lieutenant.  Her dedication and commitment have been incredible and just before finishing as a DL, she completed her 301st Talk for the Lieutenancy.

‘Their commitment and lengthy service to the community is incredibly significant and I wish them well for a long and happy retirement, said Mrs Young.