News

I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of retired Deputy Lieutenant John McKenzie, who passed away on Monday 29 June 2026, following a period of illness.

John was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Lanarkshire in 2011 and served with great distinction until his retirement in 2021. He was an exemplary Deputy Lieutenant: generous with his time, committed in his service, and always willing to go the extra mile.

John was the driving force behind bringing schools into Citizenship Ceremonies, working closely with Chief Executives, Directors of Education, Provosts, and Registrars from both North and South Lanarkshire to secure their support for this initiative. His vision and meticulous planning were also instrumental in establishing our schools’ public speaking competition and helping it grow into the success it is today.

Through his lifelong commitment to public service, John made a lasting difference to many lives, communities, and organisations across Lanarkshire and beyond. This included more than 30 years’ service as a respected police officer, his work with South Lanarkshire Council to tackle anti-social behaviour, and his dedicated contribution as a Deputy Lieutenant. He will be very sadly missed by all who knew him.

On behalf of everyone at the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy I  extend my  heartfelt condolences to John’s family and friends at this very sad time.

I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Provost Margaret Cooper, who passed away on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, following a lengthy illness.

Margaret will be remembered for her lifelong commitment to public service through social work and education, and for the outstanding contribution she made to local government and communities across South Lanarkshire as both a Councillor and Provost.

Despite the challenges of her illness, which she faced with remarkable courage, dignity and grace, Margaret remained steadfast in carrying out her duties as Provost. She also continued to champion new initiatives that raised significant funds for local charities, reflecting her unwavering commitment to serving others.

Margaret was a valued and much-appreciated supporter of the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, and I had the privilege of working alongside her on many occasions, including Remembrance Services, Citizenship Ceremonies, Touch a Life, Make a Difference events, British Empire Medal Ceremonies and many other civic occasions. She had a remarkable ability to make everyone feel genuinely welcome and included, and that kindness and warmth will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

The thoughts and deepest sympathies of everyone at the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy are with Margaret’s family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.

Lady Haughey (Susan) CBE
Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire

Many  congratulations to Ian and Rita Simpson  from  Cambusnethan   who celebrated their  Diamond Wedding Anniversary  on 18th June 2026.

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Mary Hernon MBE DL and Linda McDowall DL represented the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy at the Lanarkshire Business Hub Summer Showcase at Dakota Hotel Eurocentral on 18th June . Around 100 companies were in attendance and it was a great opportunity to raise the profile of the work of the Lieutenancy and encourage companies to apply for the Kings Awards for Enterprise, Voluntary Service or nominate someone deserving of a King’s Honour.

Armed Forces Day 2026

We acknowledge the incalculable debt we owe those who defend and serve our Nation. We recognise their sacrifice at memorials across Lanarkshire on Remembrance Sunday in November and strive in our own times to maintain true freedom and safeguard the peace, won at so great a cost.

Lanarkshire has a rich history of supporting our Armed Forces. Many men and women from North and South Lanarkshire served in the two world wars and in conflicts since. Many still serve including in the Reserve Forces and Cadets organisations. The Armed Forces Community incorporates the Armed Forces, Veterans, Reservists, Cadets, and Service Families.

What is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day takes place on the last Saturday each June. It is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving personnel to Service families, veterans, and cadets.

It marks the culmination of a week of celebrations, beginning this year on Monday 22nd June and concluding on Sunday 28th June. It also includes Reserves Day (24th June), which provides the country with an opportunity to recognise our Reserve Forces.

Showing support for the Armed Forces provides a much-valued morale boost for serving personnel, veterans and their families. You can find out more about what they are doing at home and around the world by visiting the official sites of the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force.

There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved.

How will it be recognised?

Across the UK, events will be held to commemorate our Armed Forces, with the majority of celebrations taking place on Armed Forces Day, on Saturday, 27th June 2026. However, celebrations will begin formally on Monday, 22nd June when the Armed Forces Day flag is raised on buildings and famous landmarks around the country.

There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved. There is an interactive map to find local events. In Lanarkshire, there will be formal civic events at the Council buildings in Motherwell on 22nd June and in Hamilton on 20th  June.

The Lanarkshire Lieutenancy was once again delighted to be represented at the Lanark Lanimer Celebrations from 7th to 14th June 2026.

Deputy Lieutenant Bill Tennant  DL attended the Kirkin of the Lord Cornet Elect Karl R Stewart  in St Nicholas Parish Church on Sunday 7th June .

On the Monday night following the Perambulation of the Marches, Deputy Lieutenant and Former Lord Cornet Bill Tennant DL , was on the platform at Lanark Cross for the Shifting of the Standard ceremony .

Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE DL took part in the Lanimer Day procession on Thursday 11th June which culminated in the crowning of the  Lanimer Queen Ayda Prentice  by Celia McCafferty/Orr MBE  . Finally at the Evening Spectacular at the Cross  Gavin had the honour of taking the Salute as the bands marched off bringing to an end a memorable and very successful Lanimer Day – despite the rain!

Lanimer Committee Chairman , Gordon R Gray , all his members and everyone involved in the arrangements should be extremely proud of delivering a spectacular procession and such an enjoyable week of celebrations .

The eleventh    public speaking competition for schools in Lanarkshire, organised by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy,  was held on 20th May 2026  at the  Airdrie Town Hall  with the following schools taking part:

Biggar High   School

Caldervale High  School

St Andrew’s High School

St Andrew’s and St Bride’s  High School  Continue reading →

On Sunday the 7th of June 2026, the Lieutenancy was represented by George Barnsley DL, at the Boys’ Brigade Lanarkshire District Fellowship Presentation of King’s Badge Certificates. Continue reading →