Her role as a Deputy Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran was the subject of Jane Evans’ talk to a recent meeting of Largs Probus Club. Jane explained that in Scotland, the Lord-Lieutenant is the personal representative of the monarch in each local authority area. To support them in this role there is a Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants (DLs) of which there are currently fifteen in Ayrshire and Arran, nine men and six women. The current Lord-Lieutenant is Sheriff Iona McDonald who was appointed by the Queen in 2017, becoming the first woman in the Ayrshire Lieutenancy to hold the post since it was established in 1794.
Jane advised that DLs assist the Lord-Lieutenant and Vice Lord-Lieutenant in carrying out their official duties within the lieutenancy, standing in as required at events when she is unavailable and working to ensure that the monarchy’s presence and interests are represented across Ayrshire and Arran. Much of this is ceremonial, such as accompanying members of the Royal Family during visits to the area, attending civic ceremonies, parades and military events and supporting remembrance services and representing the Crown at local commemorations. Jane gave details of her involvement in several visits by Princess Anne to the area and her local involvement in opening St. Columba’s Parish Church Heritage Centre and charity shops, speaking to Rotary Clubs and other organisations, opening a Brisbane Queen Ceremony and Largs Viking Festival and recently attending the 70th anniversary of Haylie House.
Community engagement is important for a DL and Jane spoke about how she encourages and recognises local voluntary service and charitable activity. This includes supporting and promoting the honours and awards system which she outlined, recommending individuals for honours such as the MBE, OBE, BEM, etc. or The King’s Awards, helping to foster a sense of civic pride and community spirit. Jane’s role also includes acting as a bridge between the armed forces and the local community by supporting cadet organisations and reserve units in the area and helping to maintain strong civic-military relations.
DLs can now come from all walks of life, recent appointments including a farmer, a teacher and a postman. Jane was appointed in 2001 by the then Lord-Lieutenant, Major Richard Henderson, and had to receive the monarch’s approval. Jane’s father, Peter Robertson, had also been a DL and her husband Chris had a military background. It remains a voluntary unpaid role and, by convention, DLs normally serve until the age of 75.
President Ray Young introduces Deputy Lieutenant Jane Evans
to Largs Probus Club
Morrison Sutherland gave the vote of thanks for a very interesting and informative talk, referring to his two sisters having received 100th birthday cards from the monarch and his attendance at a Royal Garden Party in 1951.
Why not join us at our next meeting?
New members are always welcomed at the Club. If you are 50 or over, retired, or nearing retirement, (men only, I’m afraid, sorry ladies) you can attend three meetings as a guest and find out what a relaxed and friendly time we have. That’s plenty of time to decide whether to become a Club member or not. Please check out our programme and email info@largsprobus.org.uk if you wish to attend as a guest, or to enquire about joining.
Largs Probus Club will next meet in the Willowbank Hotel on Wednesday 1st October at 10am when David Pirret will give a talk on serial killer Peter Manuel.