SSAFA CELEBRATION

SSAFA CELEBRATION

Colonel Ted Shields MBE DL was honoured to represent the Lord-Lieutenant at Lanarkshire’s SSAFA Celebration on 5 June at the Radstone Hotel, Larkhall. The Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA) have been providing  welfare, health and support services to Lanarkshire’s serving personnel, veterans and their families for well over a century. The volunteers came together to celebrate their work and the achievements of their external community champions. Among the awards presented were Cadets from Strathaven’s Army Cadet Force who had raised significant funds to support SSAFA work.

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News

APPOINTMENT OF A NEW DEPUTY LIEUTENANT

The Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire , Lady Haughey CBE is delighted to announce the appointment of a new Deputy Lieutenant –

Dr. Laura-Ann Currie is a highly experienced educational psychologist with over four decades of service in education, psychology, and national policy development. She has held senior positions within North Lanarkshire and West Lothian Councils, where her work was consistently guided by a strong commitment to inclusion, wellbeing, and collaborative service delivery.

Following her local authority roles, she joined HM Inspectorate of Education and later Education Scotland, where she recently retired as Head of Inclusion, Wellbeing and Equalities. Her earlier work earned national recognition, including awards for innovation in literacy (North Lanarkshire, Daily Record) and for excellence in supporting young people with social and emotional needs (West Lothian, COSLA).

Laura-Ann has played a significant role in shaping inclusive education policy across Scotland. She has provided expert advice on major national initiatives, including Getting it Right for Every Child and the implementation of the Additional Support for Learning Review (Morgan Review). Her expertise is recognised internationally through, for example, her contributions to the work of the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education.

She holds a Ph.D. in Cognitive Psychology, an MSc in Educational Psychology and is an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

Outside of her professional life, she enjoys skiing and spending time with her Springer Spaniel, Oscar—always ready for an adventure, whatever the weather.

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ARMED FORCES DAY 2025

ARMED FORCES DAY 2025

What is Armed Forces Day?

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community: from currently serving troops to Service families, veterans, and cadets. There are many ways for people, communities, and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved. Continue reading →

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PRESENTATION OF THE KING’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (KAVS) TO THE WELL FOUNDATION

PRESENTATION OF THE KING’S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE (KAVS) TO THE WELL FOUNDATION

Vice Lord-Lieutenant Gavin Whitefield CBE DL  recently presented the King’s Award for Voluntary Service to the Well  Foundation  at a special  celebration event which took place at the Dalziel Park Hotel .

The Well Foundation, established in 2008, has dedicated itself to supporting marginalised individuals and communities through sporting, cultural and social  initiatives. The organisation runs eight football teams and provides vital mental health support. Continue reading →

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DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

DIAMOND WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Many congratulations to Willie and Phyllis Frame from Hamilton   who celebrated their  Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 9th June 2025. Continue reading →

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in Diamond Wedding
LANARK LANIMERS 2025

LANARK LANIMERS 2025

The Lanarkshire Lieutenancy was once again delighted to be represented at the Lanark Lanimer Celebrations from 8th to 15th June 2025. Continue reading →

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100th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION – MARGARET HARROWER

Margaret Harrower with Provost Margaret Cooper and Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Margaret Morton

Former Land Girl and self-taught accordion player Margaret Harrower has been celebrating her centenary with family and friends.

And joining Margaret at Ashlea Court in Ashgill, were two other Margarets – South Lanarkshire’s Provost Margaret Cooper (who presented her with flowers and a certificate from the council) and Deputy Lieutenant for Lanarkshire Margaret Morton DL  who presented her with a certificate from The King and The Queen Consort to mark Margaret’s Centenary achievement.

Margaret, who did not have the easiest life, always says to her family that “you should enjoy life and make the most of what you have”.

Margaret was born in Cowdenbeath on 30 May 2025. The youngest of five children, her love of music encouraged her to learn the accordion by the age of 12 and she was soon in demand for weddings and other local functions.

When WW2 broke out, she set off to sign up to be a WREN. But on the way she met a friend who was going to be a Land Girl. Margaret liked the sound of that so joined up with her friend.

And to this day she always says that it was very hard work but one of the most enjoyable times of her life. She is very proud of the Women’s Land Army medal she was presented with in 2008.

After the war Margaret married in 1948 and had her daughter Rita the following year. She later returned to work as a cashier in the bus company she had previously been a conductress.

She retired at 60 and in 2019 moved from Cowdenbeath to live with her daughter and husband Ian in Auchenheath. Margaret is now gran to Valerie and husband Gordon, Scott and his partner Lynne.

She is also a great grandmother to Jack and Nikki – and of course the family dog Flynn. Margaret remained active and independent for many years but eventually moved into Ashlea Court in 2023. If you would like the Provost to attend a Diamond Wedding or 100th birthday please get in touch with the Provost’s Office.

Posted by Gavin Whitefield in News