The 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise winners were announced today . There were 186 in total, 8 from Scotland and 1 from Lanarkshire -The Wee Farm Distillery from the village of Climpy near Forth. Continue reading →
Many congratulations to Mr and Mrs Graham from Motherwell who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .
On 22nd April 2026, Linda McDowall DL, representing Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire , welcomed Princess Anne to officially open ‘The Bungalow’ – a great new space within Our Lady’s High School , Motherwell that was once the Janitor’s house – now offers young people from across North Lanarkshire more support to learn, grow and build their future .It’s all about practical skills and real life learning, from cooking, ICT, to gardening and independent living . It’s a space designed to build confidence and open up new opportunities.It’s a small building with a big impact bringing together partners to support our young people every step of the way..It was a memorable day especially as this year Our Lady’s High School is celebrating their 150th anniversary !
The Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Haughey CBE is delighted to announce the appointment of two new Deputy Lieutenants –
ABDUL MAJID MBE 
Abdul is owner of Abdul Majid & son ltd. an award–winning grocery store based in Bellshill and has served as a fundraising board member for Maggie’s Lanarkshire for over six years.
Abdul is former President of The Scottish Grocers Federation and is still active as a board member and regularly gives evidence to the Scottish Parliament on retailer issues.
Abdul has also served as a Trustee for over seventeen years of the Sarwar Foundation, a Glasgow based charity whose mission is to save lives by providing access to healthcare, clean drinking water and tackle poverty by educating children in Pakistan, UK and across the world.
Abdul holds a Master’s in Business Administration.
FAHIM BAQIR
Fahim is a Scottish entrepreneur, community leader, and charitable founder who has devoted much of his professional life to public service and community development.
Over the past three decades, he has combined successful business leadership with extensive voluntary and charitable work, supporting initiatives that promote social inclusion, youth opportunity, and community wellbeing.
As founder and chair of The Well Foundation, Fahim has overseen humanitarian projects delivering clean drinking water to communities across more than twenty–five countries, as well as medical outreach initiatives including eye camps in Pakistan.
In Scotland, he established the Well Foundation Sports Academy to promote youth engagement and development through football, working closely with grassroots and professional organizations.
His contributions to sport, voluntary service, and community leadership have been widely recognized through civic honours and national awards. Fahim continues to work actively to strengthen communities, support charitable initiatives, and promote opportunities for young people both locally and internationally.
Vice Lord- Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Gavin Whitefield CBE DL presented the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to CHOICES Carluke at a special celebration event which took place on 1st April 2026.
CHOICES, based in Carluke, is a charity shop run by around 40 volunteers who provide a vital service to the local community. As well as supporting the town’s youth centre and other good causes, the shop acts as a friendly drop-in space where volunteers lend a listening ear and offer guidance. The group also helps young people gain work experience and employability skills. Continue reading →
Many congratulations to Mr and Mrs Torrance from Cambuslang who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .
Many congratulations to Hugh and June Brown from Newarthill who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .
Nan (Anne) and Robert Ramsay missed celebrating their Diamond Wedding because of Covid five years ago.
So the couple were determined to properly celebrate the next major milestone of their married life with all their family joining them for their Blue Sapphire anniversary.
They were also given an extra wee surprise when South Lanarkshire Depute Provost Bert Thomson arrived at home in Bothwell to present them with flowers and a certificate on behalf of the council.
Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Dr William Morrison Young DL also joined the couple to present them with a certificate from The King and Queen.
And when asked what the secret to their 65 years together was, they agreed: “We’ve had our ups and downs over the years like everyone else – but we just keep working at it.”
They first met in Millard’s factory in Carfin where 21-year-old Robert worked as a toolmaker while an 18-year-old Nan was a machine operator.
They married on 18 March 1961 in Carfin Parish church.
Over the years they enjoyed family holidays with their four children Norman, Lynn, James and Iain at a variety of places including caravaning in Cumbria as well as regular trips to Blackpool and Lanzarote.
They continue to enjoy caravan breaks and whilst in their younger years, they enjoyed hillwalking, they are now content with less strenuous walks.
Nan still loves her line dancing and Robert is still involved with the local bowling club but also finds time for some DIY.
The couple’s family has continued to grow, and they now have five grandchildren Rachel, Russell, Euan, Lewis and Iona.
If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond or longer Wedding Anniversary or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.
Many congratulations to Mr and Mrs Armstrong from Newarthill who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .
Many congratulations to Cathie and Jim Stevenson from Airdrie who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .
