The Inverness Lieutenancy

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants are the representatives of the Crown for each county in the United Kingdom. Men or women of all backgrounds, they are appointed by The King on the advice of the First Minister in Scotland and the Prime Minister in England and Wales.

In the cities of Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow the Lord Provost is the ex-officio Lord Lieutenant. The foremost duty of a Lord Lieutenant is to uphold the dignity of the Crown.

Lord Lieutenants were first appointed in England in the 1540’s during the reign of Henry VIII to take over the military duties of the Sheriff and control the military forces of the Crown. In Scotland, a Royal Warrant of 1794 to raise volunteer forces to defend the country brought about the formal appointment of Lord Lieutenants. The Lord Lieutenant for the Inverness Lieutenancy is James Wotherspoon

As the Sovereign’s representative in his or her county, the Lord Lieutenant remains non-political and does not hold office in any political party. They are appointed for life, although the customary age of retirement is seventy-five.

The duties of a Lord Lieutenant and their Deputies include:

* Arranging all visits by members of the Royal family and escorting Royal visitors during their visit

* Assessment of nominations and the presentation of medals and awards on behalf of His Majesty.

* Participation in civic, voluntary, and social activities within the Lieutenancy area.

* Liaison with local units of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force, and their associated cadet force.

* Brief the King’s private office about issues relating to their county.

* Assist in the invitations for official Royal Garden Parties.