Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland

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Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland

The official page of the Lord-Lieutenant of Sutherland - Major General Patrick Marriott Please visit the Lieutenancy website for further information.

Major General Patrick Marriott was appointed Lord-Lieutenant for Sutherland in August 2022. His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenants are representatives of the King for each county in the United Kingdom. Men and women of all backgrounds, they are appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister and their principal duty is to uphold the dignity of the Crown. Lord-Lieutenants are also responsibl

e for ensuring that the King's Private Office is kept informed about local issues relating to their area, particularly when a Royal visit is being planned. The Lieutenancy of Sutherland works to promote and encourage voluntary service and benevolent organisations within Sutherland, and seeks to help celebrate communities' achievements and ambitions. The Lieutenancy can provide assistance with:

- making honours nominations, such as MBEs and BEMs;

- arranging / delivering congratulatory messages from the King to those celebrating significant birthdays and wedding anniversaries (cards are sent on 100th and 105th birthdays and every year thereafter, and to those celebrating their diamond wedding (60th), 65th, 70th wedding anniversaries and every year thereafter);

- advising on procedures and nominations for the King's Award for Voluntary Service or the King's Award for Enterprise;

- arranging for the Lord-Lieutenant or one of the Deputy Lieutenants to visit an organisation as a means of acknowledging the work being done;

- accepting requests for Royal visits. These can be submitted directly to the Lord Lieutenant or to the relevant Private Secretary with a copy to the Lieutenancy. Photographs used on this page are those of the Lieutenancy team or Crown copyright, unless otherwise credited.

02/06/2026

Armed Forces Day in Sutherland - Saturday 27 June 2026 - Helmsdale

Following the many years of generous hosting the Armed Forces Day event in Golspie and also the successful hosting in Lairg in 2024, this year’s Armed Forces Day ceremony will be held in Helmsdale. As ever, it will provide the opportunity for folk to come together to pay tribute to our Armed Forces, past, present and future. Veterans, service personnel and members of the public are all welcome.

The event will start at 11:00 (please do gather from 10:40) and will be based around the Kildonan Parish War Memorial in Helmsdale (some seating will be available) and will follow Sutherland’s traditional format of the flag-raising ceremony, presentations of awards to both veterans and others from across Sutherland, a short talk and music, Sutherland Schools Pipe Band will play at the event.

Afterwards a no charge buffet lunch will be held at the Helmsdale Sports and Social Club (a short, flat walk from the war memorial park) for Veterans, Service Personnel and Legion members who may each bring one guest.

Parking is available at Helmsdale Railway Station, at the Helmsdale Sports and Social Club or in the public car park in the village.

Enquiries to sutherland [email protected] or [email protected]

Northern Times RBLS Helmsdale branch RBLS - Golspie Branch SSAFA Northern Highlands Voluntary Groups Sutherland Helmsdale, Land of The Helmies Bunillidh Church of Scotland Helmsdale Free Church

31/05/2026

Yesterday the Lord-Lieutenant and his team held a tea party to say thank you to the volunteer groups who plant and maintain the glorious flower displays of the towns and villages across Sutherland.

Guests spent the afternoon at Littleferry, catching up with friends, listening to music kindly provided by the Dornoch Firth Junior Band, enjoying afternoon tea and watching the youngest band member fire the Lord-Lieutenant's cannon, albeit from under the shelter of an umbrella. Whilst welcoming those present, the Lord-Lieutenant said "You all have things in common – you dedicate a lot of time, effort, thought and energy to growing and gardening, so we thought it would be a nice opportunity to thank you all for what you do for your communities, and for making Sutherland a brighter place.”

The Lord-Lieutenant also took the opportunity to present three of his specially commissioned Highland Stoneware coasters (showing the county flower - the Grass of Parnassus) to members of the Lieutenancy team who have worked on the various visits to the County over the past year by His Majesty the King, Her Royal Highness Princess Anne and HMS Sutherland.

Two years ago, a similar tea party was held to thank those who volunteer in the various Sutherland Charity Shops.

The Lieutenancy team would like to thank all who attended, played, baked and otherwise assisted in making it a wonderful afternoon.

Northern Times Voluntary Groups Sutherland

24/05/2026

At the request of Jonathan Brett Young MBE DL, the white ensign was raised to half mast today at Loch Fleet. The flag used was presented to the Lord-Lieutenant by the Captain of HMS Sutherland earlier this year.

On this day 85 years ago 1,415 officers and men lost their lives when HMS Hood was sunk in the Denmark Strait by the German battleship Bismarck. There were three survivors, the last of whom, Ted Briggs, died in 2008.

HMS Hood was famous worldwide and epitomised the Royal Navy between the wars. Her connection to Sutherland is through her frequent visits to Loch Eriboll. In 1934 and 1935 crew members, using stones, marked out “HMS Hood” on the hillside west of Loch Eriboll. For many years the stones were maintained and painted white by schoolchildren and visiting ships. Plans are in place for the stones to be refurbished again in due course.

Northern Times H.M.S. Hood Association Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland Tongue, Melness and Skerray Community Council Royal Navy SSAFA Northern Highlands Royal Naval Association: Community Site Assynt Activity

21/05/2026

Rogart’s monthly “Coffee and Blether” group meets on the third Thursday of every month, bar January. But today the Lord-Lieutenant visited the group as it was a special commemoration to celebrate the group’s 10th birthday. Over the last decade Rogart’s “Coffee and Blether” has raised over £4000 for local charities and other organisations.

The group first met on 16 May 2016 and the organising team has changed a little from then but Madeleine Seaby, Maureen Young and Monica Maclean are still there from the founding originals. The current team also includes Carol Grant, Diane Hull, Linda Bremner and Maggie Jameson.

The Lord-Lieutenant congratulated everyone on the anniversary and then, using his sword, and together with Madeleine Seaby and Monica Maclean, a celebratory cake was cut.

“Groups such as these do the most amazing things across Sutherland. Not only do they raise funds for good, local causes but they also provide a vital forum for folk to gather, to enjoy each others’ company and to put minds to rest. Long may Rogart’s ‘Coffee and Blether’ continue!”

Northern Times Rogart Community Council This Is Dornoch Golspie Community Council Lairg Local History Society Golspie Village

13/05/2026

A wet but happy morning in Dornoch!

HRH The Princess Royal visited Dornoch Cathedral and Green this morning as part of the celebrations of "1,000 years of service", focussing on charitable and volunteer groups. On arrival Pipe Major Willie Fraser played as the Princess Royal was met by the Lord-Lieutenant, Major-General Patrick Marriott CB CBE, who introduced her to local dignitaries including: Jim McGillivray (former Highland Councillor), Alan Fleming (UHI), Vice Lord-Lieutenant Kim Tulloch and Provost of Dornoch (and chair of Dornoch Area Community Council) Cath McAngus.

As she entered the Cathedral the Princess Royal was introduced by the Provost to other members of Dornoch Area Community Council and also to Rev Carol Anne Porter, Minister of the Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland. Playing inside the Cathedral for the visit was the Dornoch Firth Junior Band who performed the Skye Boat Song beautifully. The Princess Royal met members of the Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland, representatives of other churches in the area and also Graham McCarthy and the children of the Dornoch Firth Junior Band.

After signing the Cathedral Visitor Book and unveiling a plaque, the visit group exited the Cathedral as Dornoch Pipe Band played. The Princess Royal then met members of Dornoch Pipe Band; Sarah Whealing who co-ordinates the Dornoch Market; representatives of East Sutherland Rescue Association; representatives of the various Dornoch Community Interest Groups; trustees, staff and young curators from Historylinks; volunteers from Dornoch Beach Wheelchairs; as well as a group representing volunteers from the Community Gardens, Dornoch Firth Men's Shed, St Finbar's Charity Shop, the Highland Hospice Charity Shop, the Royal Dornoch Golf Club charity giving scheme, Dornoch FibreFest and Pictora.

The Princess Royal’s visit ended with the presentation of posies and a chat with pupils from Dornoch Academy.

A huge thank you to everyone who agreed to be presented and who assisted behind the scenes and also to everyone who turned out to support the town in the hosting of the Princess Royal.

All photograph credits, and copyright, are John Wright Studio unless otherwise stated.

Dornoch Area Community Council Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland Dornoch Pipe Band East Sutherland Rescue Association Historylinks Museum, Dornoch, Sutherland Dornoch Firth Men's Shed Dornoch Area cic Pictora UHI Highland Hospice Royal Dornoch Golf Club Dornoch Academy. Northern Times

11/05/2026

Members of the public are very welcome to come to the visit in Dornoch on Wednesday of HRH The Princess Royal. The likely window for the visit is 1000-1130am.

The aim of the visit is for HRH to meet charitable and volunteer groups who have, when added together, delivered over “1000 years of service” to Dornoch and, more widely, across Sutherland.

The Community market will be in full swing during the visit so parking will be at a premium.

It is requested that visitors park in either the Meadows Car Park, or the car park behind Historylinks, or Dornoch South Car and Coach Park. Please avoid parking around the Cathedral and Green, some parts of which are likely to have temporary restricted access.

The weather is expected be be cold, especially in the north wind and there is a good chance of showers. All are advised to dress for a brisk, chilly Highland day….

Northern Times This Is Dornoch East Sutherland Rescue Association Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland Historylinks Museum, Dornoch, Sutherland Dornoch Firth Men's Shed Royal Dornoch Golf Club Dornoch Pipe Band Dornoch Academy. Dornoch Gatherings

02/05/2026

The Reay Forest Estate Public Open Day took place today at Achfary. The event takes place every two years and is designed to explain better the workings of a modern sporting estate, its aims and achievements. Stands for hospitality, sustainable forest management, salmon and river conservation, environmental enhancement, deer management, fleet management, property maintenance and gardening all demonstrated the breadth of work and careers open to those interested in rural employment.

The Flow Country Partnership and the North West Highland Geopark had stands - as did Countryside Learning Scotland (CLS), manned by its Chief Executive Ian Robertson. CLS is a multi award winning education charity whose “passion is the transformative effect rural careers can have on young peoples mental health and employability, and the strengthening impact it provides our rural communities and economy.” It has recently launched the Rural Employability Scheme, a two year structured programme designed to help upper-secondary pupils and school leavers transition from school and work in rural related careers.

“As always the day was brilliantly run and clearly much enjoyed by hosts and guests alike. One spoke to the practitioners, the folk who make the highlands work and who really understand the opportunities and importance of our highland landscape. One got a glimpse of ‘what good looks like’ when estates are well led, well run and properly thought through. It was an education.”

Northern Times Reay Forest Estate Assynt Activity The Flow Country NatureScot Peatland ACTION Countryside Learning Scotland North West Highlands Geopark

26/04/2026

To mark the 100th of the Scourie War Memorial, a commemorative service took place yesterday; the memorial was unveiled on 23 April 1926.

The event was organised by Mr Neil Macdonald DL (who is also Chair of the Scourie Community Development Company). Wreaths were laid by the Lord-Lieutenant, and also by the Chair of Scourie Community Council, Mr Innes Macdonald. The Rev Iain Macleod led the prayers and read Psalm 23. Mr Andy Mackenzie read the ode. The piper was Mr Aaron Macdonald, a third generation of piper from the same family.

To conclude, Mr Neil Macdonald read a poem written by the late Mr Sandy Macdonald-Cheeseman (see photos below).

The day also marked the 111th anniversary of “ANZAC Day”, the day marked by Australians and New Zealanders as their nations “came of age” fighting at Gallipoli in 1915. There is one New Zealander on the memorial at Scourie, Private Donald Morrison. Pte Morrison was killed fighting in France whilst serving with with the 1st Battalion, the Auckland Regiment. He was killed near Flers on 16th September 1916. His next of kin was listed as his brother, C Morrison of Beldall, Scourie - hence his name on the Scourie Memorial. Pte Morrison is buried in Bulls Road Cemetery, Flers, France.

Northern Times Commonwealth War Graves Commission RBLS - Golspie Branch Assynt Activity Lochinver Men's Shed (Assynt) Durness and Kinlochbervie Church of Scotland Legion Scotland RNLI Lochinver Lifeboat SSAFA Northern Highlands New Zealand Army

20/04/2026

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will visit Dornoch on Wednesday 13 May to meet charitable and volunteer groups who have, when added together, delivered over “1000 years of service” to Dornoch and, more widely, across Sutherland.

The visit will be focused on the Cathedral and green where the first of the 2026 markets will be taking place. As well as local community leaders, Church leaders and Church groups, the Princess Royal will meet: the children’s’ music group, The Dornoch Firth Junior Band; the Dornoch Pipe Band (whose 100th anniversary falls this year); the East Sutherland Rescue Association (awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2025); representatives from Historylinks, the Dornoch Beach Wheelchairs, and many other community interest groups and volunteer bodies.

Northern Times Royal Dornoch Golf Club Dornoch Gatherings Historylinks Museum, Dornoch, Sutherland This Is Dornoch Dornoch Firth Church of Scotland Dornoch Academy. Dornoch Pipe Band UHI Centre for History

19/04/2026

Following the commemoration at the memorial in Inchnadamph on Saturday 18 April, members of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team ventured up to the granite memorial stone by the grave on the slopes of Ben More Assynt and laid a second wreath.

The team, together with the Dundonnel team, has a long association with the grave of the crew of the Avro Anson which crashed there in 1941. Both teams assisted in the placing of the granite memorial when it was put in place by the RAF and the Commonwealth War Graves team in 2013.

The wreath that was placed on Saturday was hand made by Sonja Brown, a member of the Assynt team.

Northern Times RBLS - Golspie Branch SSAFA Northern Highlands Commonwealth War Graves Commission Assynt Mountain Rescue Team Assynt Activity 2489 (Bridge of Don) Squadron Air Training Corps Royal Air Force RAF Lossiemouth Lord Lieutenant of Ross and Cromarty Royal Air Force Air Cadets Legion Scotland

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