by Mrs Emma Miller, The Clerk to the Lieutenancy
His Majesty The King’s Lord Lieutenant for Kincardineshire, Mr Alastair Macphie, has appointed three new Deputy Lieutenants to assist him in his duties as The King’s representative in the County.
Mrs Victoria Dolin of Fordoun was brought up on the family farm in Kincardineshire, and trained as a physiotherapist, working in Hampshire and Surrey, before moving back to Scotland. With her husband, Dr Simon Dolin she runs a busy medico-legal practice, and is also active in the local country community, particularly with the Pony Club.
Mr Ian Finlayson has been a resident of Banchory for over 30 years and trained as a chartered accountant, working in the oil industry. He has been very involved with several local groups over the years, including setting up Woodend Barn as an arts venue, serving eight years as President of Deeside Rugby Club, and helping to create their own pitches and clubhouse in Banchory.
Mrs Jillian Evans has lived in Catterline, near Stonehaven for 25 years and has had a long career in the NHS, presently Head of Health Intelligence at NHS Grampian, leading a large team of health service analysts. During the pandemic, she became a TV star on health risks and issues. She is continually active in local community work and volunteering, particularly in Catterline, where she helped set up the Community Benefit Society and the annual Catterline Festival.
Mr Macphie said: ”I am delighted that Victoria, Ian and Jillian have agreed to be appointed as Deputy Lieutenants, and I am sure all will prove to be valuable members of my team and assist me in my duties on behalf of The King. They have all excelled in their own particular fields, played important roles in local affairs and still keep busy in their own communities.”
The Lord Lieutenant acts as The King’s representative in Kincardineshire, and which remains the original County and not affected by local authority boundaries. He welcomes any Royal visitors to the County and his office plan any Royal visits including recent visits by HRH The Princess Royal to Stonehaven Open Air Pool and the new HQ of Stonehaven Sea Cadets. He and his Deputies also arrange invitations to The King’s annual Garden Party at Holyrood House and other Royal occasions and make visits to celebrate 100th Birthdays and Diamond Weddings.
The Vice Lord Lieutenant is Mrs Claire Maitland MBE of Banchory, and the other Deputy Lieutenants are Mrs Victoria d’Anyers Willis of Fettercairn, Henry Irvine-Fortescue of Maryculter, Dr Ewan Clark of Portlethen. Mr Gordon Ritchie MVO of Catterline and Mr John Cruickshank of Stonehaven.
Feature image: The new Deputy Lieutenants, from right, Mrs Jillian Evans, Mr Ian Finlayson and Mrs Victoria Dolin