The Role of Vice Lord-Lieutenant

Guest speaker was Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Fife, Fiona Robertson. Fiona who was first appointed Deputy Lord-Lieutenant in 2005 described the role of Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lord-Lieutenants who work as the monarch’s representative in every county in the UK and to encourage good works throughout the county. 

The position dates back to the time of Henry VIII and had a strong military flavour up until 1921.  There are 98 county lieutenancies of which 35 are in Scotland. Historically the position of Lord-Lieutenant was held by land owning, aristocratic men. That is no longer the case.

Since December 2014 the Lord-Lieutenant of Fife has been Robert Balfour who succeeded Margaret Dean when retired.  Fiona Robertson has been the Vice Lord-Lieutenant since 2015 and there are currently 14 deputy Lord-Lieutenants.

The appointment is an honour bestowed on public spirited individuals. The role includes promoting a good atmosphere, a spirit of co-operation, encouragement for voluntary services and benevolent organisations. Lord-Lieutenants are expected to take an interest in the local business, industrial and social life of the area.

The Lord-Lieutenant will also

* arrange visits to the region by His Majesty and members of the Royal Family

* escort Royal visitors and, on occasion, visiting Heads of State

* represent His Majesty during inspections of the Guards of Honour

* take part in various ceremonial functions

* recommend people for invitation to His Majesty’s Garden Parties at the Palace of Holyroodhouse

* assess nominations for honours and awards and encourages nominations for both

* present medals and awards on behalf of His Majesty The King

Deputy Lord-Lieutenant are appointed after the Lord Lieutenant puts their name forward, then ratified by First Minister, Prime Minister, and ultimately the monarch whose endorsement is “does not disapprove”.  These are unpaid voluntary roles, no expenses or allowances. 

Role of Deputy Lieutenants

Always on look out for those doing good in local community and invitees to His Majesty’s Garden Parties at the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Support nomination for honours awards. Asked by Palace to ratify honours. 

Provide advice and help with, Queens Award for Enterprise, nominations for Coronation Champions - 500 incredible volunteers.  Represent monarch at Birthdays and Anniversaries, Ceremonies and events, Citizenship ceremonies, Queens Green Canopy and potentially the county at Westminster Abbey. They still support armed forces locally. 

The Lord-Lieutenant and the deputies provide advice and help with requests for Royal visits.  These can be requested by businesses and charities. The Lord-Lieutenant will arrange groups to meet on the Royal visit. The Lord-Lieutenant is always the first and last to greet the monarch in the county.

The Clerk to Lieutenancy is the only paid position which has to be apolitical while running, supporting and administering the work of the Lord-Lieutenancy.

Vote of thanks was proposed by Ken Cowe who thanked The Vice Lord-Lieutenant for such an interesting and informative talk.