Moray MP Douglas Ross has welcomed the appointment of Andy Simpson as Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.
Douglas said: “Andy Simpson is an excellent choice to succeed Clare Russell in the role, and I’m sure that he will do a first-class job. He will be known to many local people, having been head teacher at Elgin High School and a career in teaching in the North East.
“Andy has held many roles in the local community in Banffshire and I am sure that he will do a sterling job representing the interests of local people in the area and Her Majesty the Queen.”
Paying tribute to the work done by Clare Russell, who retired on August 4, Douglas said: “Clare worked tirelessly serving the communities in the historic county of Banffshire and she had the wonderful ability to put people at ease and to make them feel important. She was a great ambassador for Banffshire and I’m sure that Andy will continue this important work.”
On July 25, as Parliament prepared for its summer recess, Douglas used the opportunity to thank Mrs Russell for her service over the past 17 years as Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire. In the House of Commons, he said: “In those 17 years, she has organised more than 40 royal visits, the last of which was for the Earl and Countess of Forfar to visit Glenfiddich Distillery in Moray. Over and above the royal visits that Clare Russell organised and participated in, she has been part of countless community events throughout Banffshire.
“I want to say from these Green Benches that the people of Banffshire are extremely grateful for the commitment and dedication that Clare Russell has shown to our area and for the 17 years of great service. We are also extremely grateful to her for everything she has done to promote Banffshire and for being the Queen’s representative in our area.”
