Lord Lieutenant of Dumfries facts for kids

A Lord-Lieutenant is a special person chosen by the King or Queen to represent them in a county or area of the United Kingdom. Think of them as the King's or Queen's personal representative in that specific place. They are usually important people from the local community.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries is the King's or Queen's representative for the area of Dumfries in Scotland. Dumfries is a historic county in the south of Scotland, known for its beautiful landscapes and rich history. The Lord-Lieutenant's job is to help with important royal visits, give out awards like OBEs and MBEs to local heroes, and support the armed forces in the area. It's a very respected role that helps connect the local community with the wider country and the Royal Family.

What is a Lord-Lieutenant?

A Lord-Lieutenant is a very important person who acts as the King's or Queen's representative in a specific part of the United Kingdom. This role has been around for a long time, dating back to the 1500s! Originally, they were in charge of the local militia (a type of army made up of ordinary citizens). Today, their job is mostly ceremonial and involves helping the community.

The Role in Dumfries

In Dumfries, the Lord-Lieutenant is the main link between the people of the area and the Royal Family. They are often involved in many local events. For example, if a member of the Royal Family visits Dumfries, the Lord-Lieutenant will be there to welcome them. They also help to present honours and awards to people who have done great things for their community. This could be someone who has raised a lot of money for charity or a volunteer who has helped many people.

A Look at History: Who Served?

The role of Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries has been held by many different people over the centuries. When the role first started, it was often given to powerful noblemen, like Dukes and Marquesses, who owned a lot of land in the area. These people were very influential and helped to keep order and represent the Crown.

Important People Who Served

Many notable individuals have served as Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries. The first recorded Lord-Lieutenant was William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry, who started in 1794. Other Dukes of Queensberry and Buccleuch also held the position for many years. These families were very important in Scottish history.

Modern Lord-Lieutenants

Over time, the role began to be held by people from different backgrounds, not just noble families. For example, Francis John Carruthers served in the 1930s and 40s, and later, people like Sir Hugh Gladstone and Sir John Crabbe took on the role. More recently, the position has been held by people like Jean Douglas Tulloch and the current Lord-Lieutenant, Fiona Kathryne Armstrong. This shows how the role has adapted to modern times, still representing the King or Queen but with a wider range of people serving.

Here is a list of the people who have served as Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries:

• William Douglas, 4th Duke of Queensberry 17 March 1794 – 1797
• Charles Montagu-Scott, 4th Duke of Buccleuch 17 November 1797 – 20 April 1819
• Charles Douglas, 6th Marquess of Queensberry 8 June 1819 – 3 December 1837
• John Douglas, 7th Marquess of Queensberry 8 December 1837 – 1850
• Archibald Douglas, 8th Marquess of Queensberry 31 August 1850 – 1858
• William Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 6th Duke of Buccleuch 18 March 1858 – 5 November 1914
• John Montagu-Douglas-Scott, 7th Duke of Buccleuch 4 January 1915 – 19 October 1935
• Francis John Carruthers 29 January 1936 – 22 May 1945
• Sir Hugh Gladstone 14 January 1946 – 5 April 1949
• Sir John Crabbe 22 July 1949 – 1 November 1961
• James Scott-Elliot 27 March 1962 – 1967
• Sir Arthur Duncan 27 November 1967 – 1970
• Kenneth Murray McCall 14 January 1970 – 1973
• Sir William Turner 7 January 1973 – 1982
• Arthur James Jardine Patterson 5 May 1982 – 10 February 1988
• John Gavin Milne Home 16 August 1988 – 1991
• Captain Ronald Charles Cunningham-Jardine 16 December 1991 – 2006
• Jean Douglas Tulloch 19 August 2006 – 2016
• Fiona Kathryne Armstrong (MacGregor) 10 February 2016 – present