Many congratulations to Angus McArthur from Hamilton who celebrated his 100th Birthday on 19th December 2025 . And visiting Angus on his birthday was Depute Provost Bert Thomson and Deputy Lieutenant Morrison Young DL . Continue reading →
Many congratulations to Mr and Mrs Stevenson from East Kilbride who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .
ACS Clothing Ltd, based in Eurocentral, recently was presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise by Lanarkshire Lord Lieutenant, Lady Susan Haughey CBE .
The company is the leading fashion rental and renewal reverse logistics provider in the U.K. From suits and kilts to dresses and babygrows, they have been extending the life of clothing for over twenty five years. Continue reading →
As we reach the end of another memorable year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to everyone across Lanarkshire. It continues to be an honour and a privilege to serve as Lord Lieutenant, and I remain deeply proud of the people, places and spirit that make this area so special.
Throughout 2025, the Lieutenancy has had the pleasure of taking part in many meaningful occasions, moments of reflection, celebration, and shared pride. We marked the 80th anniversary of VE-Day and came together for Remembrance events commemorating 80 years since Armistice, honouring those who sacrificed so much for our freedom.
We celebrated outstanding voluntary groups through the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, successful businesses securing a King’s Award for Enterprise , welcomed new citizens at ceremonies across the county, witnessed our young people developing their talents in our schools, and visited members of our communities to mark landmark birthdays and anniversaries.
These events remind us of the kindness, resilience and generosity that run through our communities. I am grateful to North and South Lanarkshire Councils and to every Deputy Lieutenant for their dedication and hard work throughout the year. Together, we continue to support our Armed Forces, champion our voluntary organisations , recognise achievement, and strengthen our connection with the people of Lanarkshire.
One of the highlights of the year was the recent “Together at Christmas ” Carol Concert held at Bellshill and Bothwell Parish Church – an excellent example of people from across Lanarkshire coming together for an uplifting evening of carols, readings and reflection .
As we look ahead to 2026, I do so with a sense of hope and excitement for what we will continue to achieve. I look forward to meeting many more of you at community events across the county in the year ahead.
May you and your loved ones enjoy a peaceful Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Lady Susan Haughey CBE
Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire
Lanarkshire proudly hosted one of only 15 Together at Christmas Community Carol Services taking place across the UK this festive season, and one of just three held in Scotland. Supported by The Royal Foundation, the event forms part of an initiative led by The Princess of Wales to recognise the quiet heroes who strengthen communities through kindness, compassion and connection. Continue reading →
Many congratulations to John and Sheila Prior from Lanark who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .
Published: Thursday 13 November 2025
Two local people who have dedicated themselves to fostering sport have been awarded the British Empire Medal.
Karen Kelly, Head Coach of Lanark Amateur Swimming Club, and Colin Dalgarno, President of Strathaven Rugby Club, received the honour for Voluntary Service and for Services to the Community in Strathaven respectively.
Their medals were presented to them by Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, at a ceremony in South Lanarkshire Council’s headquarters hosted by South Lanarkshire Provost Margaret Cooper and featuring North Lanarkshire Depute Provost Bob Burgess and South Lanarkshire Council Depute Chief Executive Jackie Taylor, as well as members of Karen’s and Colin’s families and friends.
Karen was introduced to the swimming club in Lanark at the age of 10 by her mum, Mary – herself a stalwart of the club over many years – and started coaching when she was just 16. She celebrated her 50th anniversary in 2023, making her the longest-serving member in its history.
She runs six training sessions every week for the club’s 80 members who range in age from nine to young adults – including two “early bird” sessions before school – as well as taking on hours of further tasks such as administration and competition entries.
In her time, she has coached dozens of Scottish and district champions and two Deaflympic athletes, and has earned coaching accolades from bodies including the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association and Clydesdale Sports Council.
Colin has been involved at Strathaven RFC since he was a child, too – in his case, he joined at eight years old. He went on to play for Strathaven, in Cyprus and at Reading RFC, but suffered an injury to his spine in 2012 that ended his playing career.
He was determined to stay involved in rugby and give back to the sport, and has dedicated himself to volunteering work in various roles within the Strathaven RFC ever since.
His work has proved crucial to the success and growth that the club has experienced during that time, including the award of a £670,000 grant to the club by the council-run Renewable Energy Fund to make possible the construction of an indoor training facility, the growth of membership to the highest numbers in the club’s history.
He also created an online hub to allow other clubs can find details on every project Strathaven has carried out, including an explanation of how they were achieved, to assist clubs that are themselves looking at improving their facilities.
Provost Cooper said: “I know well how much of a positive influence Karen and Colin have had on their communities. They have dedicated their time and energy for many years to helping their sporting clubs, and in doing so have brought benefits to the lives of countless swimmers and rugby players of all ages.
“Volunteering, especially at the level that Karen and Colin have demonstrated, is something that has to come from within, working tirelessly to enhance the lives of many with no thought of personal reward, and so I am delighted that they have been recognised with the British Empire Medals and offer them my congratulations and gratitude.”
Note – Release courtesy of South Lanarkshire Council .
Two dedicated volunteer groups in Lanarkshire have been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS), the highest recognition a local voluntary organisation can receive in the UK, equivalent to an MBE.
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.
Grow Uddingston is a community-led group focused on improving the environment and appearance of Uddingston. Volunteers have transformed key areas such as Uddingston Cross, the Railway Station, and the village gateway, while leading local projects in tree planting, litter picking, and graffiti removal. Their work brings people together and has earned recognition for horticultural achievement, environmental responsibility, and community participation.
Both organisations will receive their award and certificate from Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Lord-Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, in the coming months, with two volunteers from each group invited to attend the Royal Garden Party at Holyroodhouse in July 2026.
Lady Haughey said: “I am absolutely delighted to see the amazing work of both Choices and Grow Uddingston recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. These groups make a tremendous difference to their communities, and this award is richly deserved.”
Nominations for the 2026 King’s Award for Voluntary Service are now open until 1 December 2025. Anyone who knows of a local organisation doing exceptional voluntary work is encouraged to nominate them at https://kavs.dcms.gov.uk.
Notes to editors
Representatives of the Lieutenancy laid wreaths at Remembrance Services right across Lanarkshire to commemorate the ultimate sacrifice made by British and Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts
Where we could not be present at a Remembrance Service , due to the number of locations involved , a number of wreaths were once again laid outside the formal service settings .
“They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old.
Age shall not weary then, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
Brian Miller DL laid a wreath at the Bellshill War Memorial .
Terry Currie DL laid a wreath at the War Memorial in Belhaven Park , Wishaw .
Sandy Wilkie MBE DL laid a wreath at the High Blantyre War Memorial .
Coulter. Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL laid the wreath on behalf of the Lord-Lieutenant at Coulter’s War Memorial during the village’s Act of Remembrance. Wreaths were also laid by the Chair of the Coulter Community Trust and by a representative of the Southern Uplands Moorland Group. Afterwards, the Trust provided refreshments at Coulter Library, founded and funded by the villagers themselves, and which has been at the heart of village life since 1838.
To mark Armistice Day Lord Lieutenant Lady Haughey CBE and Provost Kenneth Duffy laid wreaths at the War Memorial outside the North Lanarkshire Council Civic Centre on 11th November 2025.
Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE DL laid a wreath at the Haywood War Memorial .
At the War Memorial in Coalburn the Lord Lieutenant’s wreath was laid by Jock Storrie who served in the Army .
Neena Mahal MBE DL laid a wreath at the Coatbridge War Memorial .
Staff and pupils of Calderglen High School and people from local communities at East Kilbride gathered on 11th November to honour those who lost their lives at war . Shuming Kong DL laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant .
Colonel Stuart Roberts DL laid a wreath at the Biggar War Memorial .
The War Memorial at Leadhills where Bill Tennant DL laid a wreath.
The Armistice Day Service in Hamilton remembered those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
Wreaths were laid in commemoration and a two-minute silence observed, following the Last Post. The service was moved from its normal location at the Victoria Cross Memorial in the town centre, to Low Parks Museum, because of the heavy rain.
Depute Provost Bert Thomson and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Dr Morrison Young DL joined Rev Ross Blackman of Hamilton Old Parish Church, Rev Joanne Hood from St John’s Parish Church and military veterans.
Pupils from Hamilton College, council officials and members of the public also attended the service.
Depute Provost Thomson said: “It was fitting that we moved the service to Low Parks Museum, given it hosts a wonderful collection dedicated to The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles).
“I would like to thank everyone who attended, in particular of course, the veterans who once again ensured the service was a poignant and reflective one for those who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Janet Low DL laid a wreath at the Cambuslang Remembrance Garden .
Vice Lord Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE DL laid a wreath at the Lanarkshire Yeomanry Memorial in Carluke .
A wreath was laid at the War Memorial in Harthill on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant .
A wreath was laid at the War Memorial in Salsburgh on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant .
Many congratulations to Thomson and Elizabeth Forrest from Coltness who recently celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary .