The Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen Barney Crockett welcomed two new Deputy Lieutenants at a special ceremony in the Town House on Monday 16 December.
The new Deputy Lieutenants, Graham Guyan and Gillian Milne, have been appointed because of their unwavering dedication and support to various charitable and third sector organisations in Aberdeen.
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A Lord-Lieutenant is the British monarch’s personal representative for a specific area of the UK.
The Lord Provosts of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow are by virtue of office, also the Lord-Lieutenant of their respective cities.
The main duties of the Lord Lieutenancy and Deputy Lieutenants are to:
- suggest opportunities for official Royal visits;
- submit nominations for Honours and Queen’s Awards and to recommend those for invitation to Her Majesty’s Garden Party held each year at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh;
- participate in civic, voluntary and social activities and liaise with local units of the Armed Services and their associated cadet forces;
- represent Her Majesty The Queen at citizenship ceremonies;
- carry out other duties such as the presentation of decorations including the Queen’s Awards for Export & Technology, Voluntary Service, Enterprise, Scout and Guide awards;
- undertake assessments of nominations for the Queen’s Awards;
- present messages of congratulations from Her Majesty to those celebrating their 100th birthday or 60th (diamond) wedding anniversary.
A proud Aberdonian, Graham Guyan is the Patron of the North East of Scotland Gurkha Association and advocated on their behalf to obtain full regimental status in Aberdeen for Gurkha Officers. He is also Patron of Aberdeen Football Club Heritage Trust and has been associated with the club for over 33 years.
He is also Patron of the Animal War Memorial in Scotland which commemorates all the animals lost in war and was responsible for creating the only memorial in Scotland for animals lost in war. He is also actively involved in the Fisherman’s Mission.
Gillian Milne is an active committee member of the Fisherman’s Mission in Aberdeen and recently volunteered to organise its 20th Praise Evening, which proved extremely popular. She is also a Friend of Summerhill Home which provides her with an outlet to continue her work mentoring and encouraging residents to become actively involved within their communities.
Gillian was also part of the transforming lives for good initiative which involved working in conjunction with The Lighthouse Support Centre, which identified a need for a community support project to help local people suffering from complex life issues such as alcohol and drug addiction.
Mrs Milne’s husband, Jim Milne, was a former Deputy Lieutenant, serving 2007-2015, and it is believed that this is the first occasion where such a succession has taken place.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said: “I am delighted to appoint both Gillian Milne and Graham Guyan to the role of Deputy Lieutenant. They are both tireless in their commitment to so many charitable causes in the city. I am also aware that both are dedicated to their faith and help support, mentor and offer friendship and kindness to all that they meet. It is these qualities that will ensure that Gillian and Graham will be first-rate Deputy Lieutenants for Aberdeen.”
Deputy Lieutenant Gillian Milne said: “This is such an honour for me and completely unexpected. As an honorary Aberdonian, hailing originally from Fife, I am humbled by the recognition of the work I do and look forward to serving the Crown and the people of this great city.”
Deputy Lieutenant Graham Guyan said: “I am truly humbled by being appointed to the role of Deputy Lieutenant for my home City of Aberdeen. I am committed to enhancing the lives of those who need assistance and being a Deputy Lieutenant will afford me the opportunity to provide further support to communities across the city.”
The Lord-Lieutenant is supported by a Vice Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenants. The Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Aberdeen is Andrew Lawtie.
The Deputy Lieutenants are Audrey Walker, Jenny Sherriffs, Beverley Graham, Joan Catto, Isabel McIntyre, Mike Hastie, Gregory Poon, John Langler, Forbes McCallum, Alan Codona, Philip Muinde and William Young.
Lord-Lieutenants are among the few individuals in Scotland officially permitted to fly the Royal Arms of Scotland ‘The Lion Rampant’.
