MRS JILL YOUNG MBE

 Jill has had an extensive range of roles in NHS Scotland over a period of 40 years culminating in her final full-time appointment as Chief Executive of The NHS Golden Jubilee Foundation between 2004-2018.  Following this she undertook a Scottish Government role as Chair of its Operational Performance Board which has responsibility for oversight of NHS Scotland’s Patient Waiting Times.   She was then tasked by Scotland’s First Minister to become Chief Executive of the NHS Louisa Jordan Hospital and to design and build a 1000 bed COVID hospital, and also to lead Scotland’s COVID Testing Programme. Jill was awarded an MBE in The Queen’s 2020 Birthday Honour’s List for her services to the NHS.   She is the first female to be appointed as Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire and is also the first from a non-military background.   She also has held a number of external executive Board roles and supports many Community and Military Charities.     (A fuller biograph can be found HERE)

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  THE QUEENS GREEN CANOPY -

                                PLANT A TREE FOR THE JUBILEE

Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Jill Young MBE is delighted to support the official launch of The Queen’s Green Canopy – the QGC - a unique tree planting campaign created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. This unique initiative invites everyone from all corners of the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” in honour of The Queen’s 70 years of service to this Nation.   Everyone from individuals to youth groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates will be encouraged to plant trees from October 2021 when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022.

The countdown to planting season has begun, giving people time throughout the summer to plan their planting projects and to get planting in October.   Planting trees and protecting forests are simple, cost effective, ways to slow climate change, filter our air, enhance our communities, and provide habitats for wildlife.

The Queen’s Green Canopy will focus on planting sustainably - trees and hedgerows must be planted with care, at the right time of year, in the right place and with species that are not prone to prevailing tree diseases.  As well as planting new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The Lord-Lieutenant would be delighted to receive invitations for the Lieutenancy to become involved in local projects which should be sent to her Clerk of the Lieutenancy, Mrs Joyce White OBE, Council Offices, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, G82 1QL.

Further details of the The Queen’s Green Canopy can be found at its official site www.queensgreencanopy.org

A synopsis of the project can be found by clicking HERE

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Deputy Lieutenant Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Provost William Hendrie and Chair, Mary Burch BEM with Skylark lX Trustees and Guests at the Dedication of a memorial bench to Private Geoff Bryden.at the Scottish Maritime Museum, Dumbarton.

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Diamond Wedding - Chrissie & Joe Collins with Deputy Lieutenant Dr. Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council

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Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory CVO OBE at the Memorial in Clydebank and below wreaths were laid at Memorials throughout Dunbartonshire - Helensburgh & Rosneath.

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP with Chairperson Old Kilpatrick Community Council Mrs Isobel Plunkett and Vice Chairperson Mrs Moira MacAulay - VJ 75 Day - Old Kilpatrick War Memorial.

	Old Kilpatrick Community Council Facebook: Page HERE Video HERE

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Deputy Lieutenant Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE with Valerie & John Ashworth - Diamond Wedding

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Deputy Lieutenants Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Linda Moffat RD - 80th Anniversary of the Sinking of HMT Lancastria - Layinf of Flowers at Memorial Site, Clydebank.

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James & Elizabeth Kerr - Platinum Wedding - 25 March 2020

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Deputy Lieutenant Ellen Gibson and Provost Alan Brown with Elizabeth Cowie and Family -           100th Birthday - 20 February 2020

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown and Registrar Christine Wilkie, East Dunbartonshire Council, with new British Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony - 11 March 2020

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Flag Raising Ceremony - Commonwealth Day 2020 - Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank

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Flag Raising - International Women's Day 2020 - West Dunbartonshire Council Headquarters, Dumbarton

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Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Depute Provost Karen Conaghan with Rita and Joe Wilson - Diamond Wedding at the Dumbuck House Hotel  - 29 February 2020

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP & Senior Registrar Lynn Houston with new citizens Regina Mpimpa & Khurram Faraz Qadri - Citizenship Ceremony 28 February 2020

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie with Betty & Bill McKee - Platinum Wedding Anniversary - February 2020

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Provost William Hendrie and Members of West Dunbartonshire Council with members of the public and local schoolchildren - Raising of the Rainbow Flag to celebrate LGBTN Week

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Gary Pews and Registrar Christine Wilkie with new Citizens - East Dunbartonshire Council - 29 January 2020

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Vice Lord Lieutenant Dunbartonshire, Jill Young, welcoming HRH The Princess Royal to the Official opening of the Drumfork Community Centre, Helensburgh - 24 January 2020

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Holocaust Memorial Flag Raising Ceremony marking the 75th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Auschwitz Death Camp in 1945 - Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank - 27 January 2020

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP  with new citizens Kalliopi Valyraki, Petros Karsaliakos, Miria Convery & Sidiqa Raufi - Citizenship Ceremony - 24 January 2020

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Depute Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Depute Registrar Lynne Houston with new citizen Samika Sunuwar - Citizenship Ceremony 10 January 2020

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie with Mrs Nancy Wilson  - 100th Birthday - 24 December 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown and Registrar Christine Wilkie with new British Citizens & family members - Citizenship Ceremony - 18 December 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Tom Finnegan JP and Provost William Hendrie with Centernarian David Niel

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Deputy Lieutenant Ian Dickson, Father Joseph Mackle, daughter Rosemary and Provost Alan Brown with Mrs Annie McSherry - 100th Birthday - 18 October 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson & Provost William Hendrie with Shiela and Robert Livingstone - Diamoond Wedding Anniversary - November 2019

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Annual Review of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire 2019 - Vice Lord-Lieutenant Jill Young presenting awards

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown & Lesley McKenzie with new citizens - Ranjit Kaur, Promise Okoye, Tonna Obiechina Okoye, Sandeep Pandya, and Edward Robert Strong - Citizenship Ceremony - 06 November 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie with Ujjwal Karki, Amayikai Ishaku & Zobia Saleem - Citizenship Ceremony - 04 October 2014

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown & Lesley McKenzie with new citizens - Isaac Jeon, Naomi Brooke Knapp and Songa Franke-Arnold - Citizenship Ceremony - 25 Sept. 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP & Provost Willie Hendrie with Lily & Ronnie Marshall - Diamond Wedding - 19 September 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Gerry McElroy MBE with boys of the Strathkelvin Battalion The Boys' Brigade

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie with Margaret & Harry Stevenson and their daughter Lesley and son John - Diamond Wedding - 14 September 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie with Jean and Angus Brown, their daughter Lynn and Mr Brown's sister Marsali and her husband David - 12 September 2019

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​999 Emergency Services Day - Flag Raising Ceremony - 10 Septermber 2019

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire Council - Assistant Registrar Lynne Bolton, Provost William Hendrie, Ellen Taylor, Saima Naseem, Nuha Ali and Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP - 04 September 2019

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Merchant Navy Day 2019 - Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE & Provost William Hendrie with guests.

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deouty Provost Gary Pews and Registrar Chrisitne Wilkie with new UK Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony 14 August 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan with new citizens - Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 17 July 2019

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Deputy Lieutenants Morag Hart MBE JP and Anne O'Hagan with Provost Alan Brown, and Isabel & Bob Hamilton with their son and daughters - Platinum Wedding - 13 July 2019

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HRH The Princess Royal with Brian Keating, CEO and Founder of the Scottish Submariine Centre, Helensburgh - and below that, viewing the world leading interactive display.

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown and Registrar Chrisitne Wilkie with new UK Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony 03 July 2019

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Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Mike Gregory OBE welcomes Her Majesty The Queen and presents the Lord Lieutenant's Cadet CSM Jack Lord - 28 June 2019

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Vice Lord Lieutenant Jill Young and Chief Executive Jann Young, Golden Jubilee Trust, with Deputy Lieutenants Gill Aitkenhead MBE. Owen Sayers MBE, & Angela Harkness; family members and members of the Lancastria Association, and representatives of the Kier Group

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Deputy Lieutants Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Morag Hart MBE JP with pupils of Lomond School Helensburgh - 14 June 2014

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Deputy Lieutenant Linda Moffat with  Samantha Anne Constantino Gallagher and Juan Carlos Cano Triay - Citizenship Ceremony - Helensburgh - 13 June 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Provost William Hendrie & Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan with Bessie Irving and her niece Mary Cook - 107th Birthday - 25 April 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan with Mrs Christina Watson

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown, and Registrar Christine Wilkie with the new British Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire Council - 10 April 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie with Nora & Ian MacDonald, their children Fiona, Ian & Calum, partners Kenny & Avril, and their Grandchildren Charles, Cameron & Craig

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Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE and Vice Lord Lieutenant Jill Young with Alistair Whitelaw BEM & Provost Alan Brown; also in photo L/R Deputy Lieutenants Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Morag Hart MBE, Gerry McElroy MBE, Andrew Nicholson, (Chairman of Lieutenancy Honours & Awards Committee), and Ian Dickson.

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP & Provost William Hendrie with Betty & Charlie Hannaway.   Also pictured children Charles, David, Joan & May with, seated, Robert Ramsay & May Hannaway

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Baillie Denis Agnew, Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, Mayor Ian McGarvey, Provost William Hendrie and Consul General Mark Hanniffy

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Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan with Eric Gotts, Chairman, Milngavie Heritage Group and Hilary Howatt of Milngavie Heritage Centre - 04 March 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP laying wreaths on behalf of Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE - Clydebank Blitz Commemoration - 09 March 2019

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HRH The Princess Royal at 80th Anniversary Conference of Citizens Advice Scotland - 06 March 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Gary Pews & Registrar Christine Wilkie with new citizens Gregory Sivashinsky, Alison Craig and Chukwugoziem Ibonye - Citizenship Ceremony, East Dunbartonshire Council - 27 February 2019

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP DL & Provost Bill Hendrie with new citizens Grace Ishaku, Elizabeth Mwikali, Dawid Slusarz, Serkan Akgul, Tami Nabukenya and Isimwa Kakupa

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Deputy Lieutenants Gill Aikenhead MBE & Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown & Major Pete Curtis MBE with William's daughter Kathleen Pollock and family

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 Vice Lord Lieutenant, Jill Young, with Provost Bill Hendrie, MSP Gill Paterson, Local Councillors and school children at Solidarity Plaza for the Holocaust Memorial Flag Raising 2019

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Citizenship Ceremony 10 January 2019 - Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrat Christine Wilkie with new Citizens

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100th Birthday - Mrs Susuan Johnstone with Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Deputy Provost Mrs Karen Conaghan

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100th Birthday - 22 December 2018  - Mrs Jessie Bradshaw and her daughter Janet, with Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie.

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Glasgow and West of Scotland branch of the Association of Wrens

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire Council - 12 December 2018 - Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council and Registrar Christine Wilkie with the new citizens

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100th Birthday - Mrs Mary McDonald with Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young, Provost Bill Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, family and friends

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Clydebank Churches Together Annual Christmas Carol Service 2018   -  Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Reverend Margaret Yuill, Provost William Hendrie, Chief Executive Joyce White OBE, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Reverend Ishaku with Children from Clydemuir and St Stephen's Primary Schools

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Opening of the Refurbished Kirkintilloch Town Hall - Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Lieutenant Frank Dunn CBE, Reverend Mark Johnstone DL, Provost Alan Brown and Community Council representative Billy Poynton

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Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Vice Lord Lieutenant, with Mrs Tricia Stewart, the Division Commissioner for Western Division of Dunbartonshire Guides and Breagha and Eilidh Higgins.  

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - November 2018 - Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council with Georgeta, Raffaelle and Michal

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Mrs Mary Robertson - 100th Birthday Celebration - with  Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council

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Girlguiding Dunbartonshire Annual Review 2018 - Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE presenting Certificates with County President Morag Hart MBE JP DL (far right)

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Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan and Provost Alan Brown with Lily & Jim Keegan - Diamond Wedding

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Annual Lieutenancy Dinner - Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow

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BEM Presentations - Clydebank Town Hall - 28 September 2018

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE & Provost William Hendrie, together with Deputy Lieutenants Linda Moffat, Anne O'Hagan, Ian Dickson, Andrew Nicholson, Gerry McElroy MBE and the BEM Recipients.

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Diamond Wedding - 23 September 2018 - Deputy Lieutenant Tom Finnigan, Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire District Council, with Isabella & Robert Ward

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 20 September 2018 - Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and the new Citizens.

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 19 September 2018 - Deputy Lieutenant Ellen Gibson and Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, with some of the new Citizens

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The Princess Royal visiting Rhu to attend the “Blind Sailing World Championships” being run by the Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club.

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Merchant Navy Day - Red Ensign Flag Raising Ceremony -  03 September 2018 - West Dunbartonshire Council Offices, Dumbarton

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council with new citizens Frederica Parisi, Paul Flanagan and Carolyn McLean

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Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson & Provost Willie Hendrie with Janet Bain on her 100th birthday

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Her Majesty The Queen - Royal Garden Party - 04 July 2018 - Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh

Captain Mike Gregory, Royal Company of Archers	Members of the Royal Company of Archers

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Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie with new British Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony 27 June 2018

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Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie with new British Citizens - Citizenship Ceremony 16 May 2018

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Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young with Members of The Lennox & Argyll Batallion The Boys' Brigade at the Annual Certificates & Awards Presentation

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Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, with Violet & George Close from Clydebank - Diamond Wedding 16 June 2018

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HMT Lancastria Memorial Service

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, with Alexander & Ann Little - Diamond Wedding 25 June 2018

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                          Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 15 June 2018                                   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Deputy Registrar Lynne Bolton, and Provost William Hendrie with new citizen Rodin Fabricio Gonzaga Espinoza (center), his family and friends.

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Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Provost Willie Hendrie, with new British Citizens, their family & friends at Citizenship Ceremony - Dumbarton - 25 May 2018

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Registrar Andrea Gourlay, Provost Alan Brown and Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 21 February 2018

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Registrar Christine Wilkie, Provost Alan Brown and Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 04 April 2018

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Patsy Morrision BEM with Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, Councillors Vaughan Moody and Alan Polson, Joint Leaders East Dunbartonshire Council and her 2 sisters.

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP with Phyllis & Frank Ross - Diamond Wedding 29 March 2018

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Registrar Lynn Houston and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan with Taher Mahmud Mohamed Saleh, his wife Asma Ramadan A Al Treish and their daughters Raged, Hedaya & Heba

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Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP DL and Provost Willie Hendrie West Dunbartonshire Council with Betty & Bill McLellan and their four children.

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Commonwealth Flag Raising Ceremony - March 2018

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Clydebank Blitz - Common Grave - Old Dalnottar Graveyard - March 2018

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 Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Provost Jean Jones, North Lanarkshire Council and Miss Gill Aitkenhead MBE DL, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

Mrs Karen Morrison MBE , Mr Balwant Singh Chada MBE, and  Veronica McDonald BEM

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Deputy Lieutenant, Commodore Eric Thompson MBE RN (rtd), presenting The Queen’s Badge to Colour  Sergeant Lewis McKechnie and Sergeant Ryan Mochar at the annual inspection of the Dunbartonshire Battalion The Boys' Brigade

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire Council - 15th February 2018

Provost Willie Hendrie, Marek Jan Kozak, Tania Jayne Guy & Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP

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Holocaust Memorial Day 2018

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Provost Allan Brown,  Registrar Christine Wilkie  and Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 10 January 2018

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Harry & Kathryn Fotheringham with Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE

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Diamond Wedding - Maryann & Brian (Bernard) McKeown with Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson

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Baljit Kaur, Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson, and Izabela Zuk - Citizenship Ceremony 19 December 2017

Baljit Kaur and Izabela Zuk with family, friends, Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson and Councillor Richard Trail

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Citizenship Ceremony - Clydebank - 08 December 2017 - Registration Staff Lynn & Julie making preparations.

Citizenship Ceremony - Clydebank - 08 December 2017

Baillie Denis Agnew, New Citizens, Senior Registrar Lynn Houston & Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP

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Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE welcomes HRH The Princess Royal to Cumbernauld

Provost of North Lanarkshire Jean Jones, Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE and Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE - Cumbernauld - November 2017

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Deputy Provost Garry Pews,  Registrar Christine Wilkie  and Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, with new British Citizens at Citizenship Ceremony - Bearsden - 29th November 2017

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The Caledonian Awards 2017 - Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP with Recipients

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The Platinum Wedding of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.

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Scottish Submarine Centre Opening - Helensburgh

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, Rear Admiral John Weale, Brian Keating and Clair Lang.

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Citizenship Ceremony - Clydebank - 09 November 2017

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Girlguiding Dunbartonshire Annual Review 2017

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100th Birthday - Elizabeth 'Betty' Mearns with Deputy Lieutenant Anne Walker

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Diamond Wedding - Betty & Alistair Thomson with Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson

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Bill Anderson with Margaret & Catherine, Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson

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HRH The Princess Royal at Deafblind Scotland’s Learning and Development Centre ‘Field of Dreams’ in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire

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HRH The Prince Harry, Chief Executive of The Golden Jubilee Foundation, Jill Young DL and the Right Honourable Michael Fallon MP, Minister of Defence

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Mrs. Chrissie Mitchell - 100th Birthday - With Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Provost William Hendrie, and Family

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 13 October 2017

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QAVS 2017 Presentation - St. Peter The Apostle School Soup Kitchen Volunteer Group - September 2017

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Ross Docherty being presented with the Chief Scout's Award for Meritorious Conduct by Scottish Scout Chief Commissioner Graham Haddock - September 2017

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Victoria Cross Paving Stone - Unveiling Ceremony - 23 September 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - Dumbarton - 19 September 2017

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BEM Presentations - Clydebank - 15 September 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 06 September 2017

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Provost William Hendrie, Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Captain George Troup BEM & Guests

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100th Birthday Celebration - Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Provost Willie Hendrie, Jeanie Allan and her son Robert

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Diamond Wedding Celebration - Provost Willie Hendrie, John & Jean Kelso, Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers 

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The Queen's Award for Enterprise - CMS Window Systems - August 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 26 July 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 22 June 2017

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 07 June 2017

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Victoria Cross Paving Stone Ceremony Cardross - 22 April 2017

 Photograph Printed Courtesy of the Helensburgh Advertiser

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BEM Presentation - Clydebank - 27 April 2017

Mr  Alistair Norval BEM, Provost of West Dunbartonshire Council Douglas McAllister, Mrs Christine Johnston BEM, Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE, Mr George Cochrane BEM, Mrs Ann Glenesk BEM & Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson.

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 27 April 2017

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Assistant Registrar Karen McLaughlin, 

Mr & Mrs Karki

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire - 12 April 2017

Mr Lemonidis, Mr Wilson, Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE, Deputy Provost Mrs Anne Jarvis, Mrs Kerr, Mr Singh & Ms Sharma

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Diamond Wedding - 15 March 2017

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE and Provost Douglas MacAllister with Elizabeth & James Dick of Clydebank

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Clydebank Biltz Commemoration Service 2017

Lord Lieutenant Mike Gregory, with Provost Douglas MacAllister, Martin Docherty MP, Gill Paterson MSP and Deputy Provost John Miller at the Polish Memorial

(Photos courtesy of Lawrence O'Neill)

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Holocaust Memorial Day 2017

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Diamond Wedding Anniversary - Bill & Isobel Snodden with Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Provost, Cllr. Jean Jones and Cllr. Heather McVey

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Diamond Wedding Anniversary Francis & Nessie Brady with Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Provost, Cllr. Jean Jones and Cllr. Heather McVey

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Diamond Wedding Anniversary - Professor Alex & Mrs Shelia Gardner with Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson - Best Man Jack is on the TV screen

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Girlguiding Dunbartonshire Annual Review 2016

County President Morag Hart with Deputy Lieutenant Frank Dunn and Deputy Provost Ann Jarvis

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100th Birthday - Mrs Jeannie Houston with Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Deputy Provost John Miller - 09 November 2016

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Diamond Wedding - Thomas & Catherine Stewart - Deputy Provost John Miller & Deputy Lieutenant Tom Finnigan - 11 September 2016

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Mrs Nan Middleton - British Empire Medal Presentation - 11 October 2016

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Annual Lieutenancy Dinner - Golden Jubilee Hotel, Clydebank. - 07 October 2016

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Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire - 22 September 2016

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The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2016 - Presentation Ceremony - 16 September 2016

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Red Ensign Flag Raisiing Ceremony - 03 September 2016

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Armed Forces Day Flag Raising Ceremony - 20 June 2016

 OLDER NEWS & EVENTS

CURRENT NEWS

12 June 2021

Queen's Birthday Honours List 2021

5 Awards have been made to residents of Dunbartonshire.   Congratulations are extended to:

OBE - Dr Kerri Neylon Deputy Medical Director for Primary Care, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.  For services to Health and Social Care particularly during Covid-19

OBE - Professor Michael Barratt Laboratory Director, Lighthouse Laboratory, Glasgow.  For services to the NHS during the Covid-19 Pandemic

MBE - Neena Mahal DL, Chair, NHS Lanarkshire. For services to Healthcare

MBE - Alexander Eric McArthur For services to Beekeeping

BEM - Thomas Herbert  For services to the Provision of Chemotherapy Services in East Dunbartonshire and to Purchasing for Universities

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 11 June 2021

Appointment of 4 New Deputy Lieutenants

HM Lord-Lieutenant Jill Young MBE is pleased to announce that the names of Anne Smillie, Elliot Witherow, Mark Billington and Mchael Edwards were submitted to HM The Queen for appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant in the County of Dunbartonshire, and that She has not disapproved of their appointment.  

Anne Smillie is the retired Chief Executive of Badmintonscotland and is the longest serving Chief Executive in British Sport.  She had a world wide reputation for event staging and under her direction, Badmintonscotland staged four World and three European Championships.  Anne is a former member of the Badminton World Federation Council, and was the first woman on the BWF Executive Board when she became its Chair of Events.    She is a former founding member of the UK Sports Major Events Committee.

Elliot Witherow is a Fellow of the Chartered Banker Institute and works for Lloyds Banking Group in Glasgow, specialising in overseas tax reporting. Previously he worked in London for 17 years in a number of senior roles with HBOS and Bank of Scotland.   He is a member of the Royal Highland Yacht Club and the Clyde Cruising Club.  Elliot lives in Milngavie with wife Lynn and they have 2 children.

Mark Billington came to Scotland from his job as a buyer at Harrods to take up the role of Managing Director of the family business that ran a restaurant chain  He is a strong and active supporter of his local community, as a member of Lenzie Community Council,  Patron and Chairman of a local charity “The Sporting Aces” which supports young people with learning disabilities and/or Autism, and as a supporter of the Scouts, Girl Guides and Deaf Blind Scotland.  Mark lives in Milton of Campsie, is married to Sue and they have 2 children

Mike Edwards was a newspaper, radio and TV journalist for 40 years and covered the biggest news stories to have broken in Scotland, from the Piper Alpha, Lockerbie & Dunblane tragedies to Devolution & the independence debate, the Glasgow Airport terror attack & the Commonwealth Games. Mike was the nightly face of the STV news for more than a quarter of a century and reported from locations across Scotland and beyond.

He is a Major in the Army Reserve and in nearly 30 years of service has carried out a variety of roles. He has been mobilised to serve operational tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and is a graduate of both the British and Canadian Army staff colleges.

A published author of fiction and non-fiction, Mike is also a trustee of the Erskine charity for ex-service personnel, an ambassador for Alzheimer Scotland and serves on various other national charity boards and committees; he is also a Case Officer for SSAFA.  Mike lives in Shandon with his wife Emma, and they have 1 child.

04 June 2021

SKYLARK lX RECOVERY TRUST

SCOTTISH MARITIME MUSUEUM

Deputy Lieutenant Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Provost William Hendrie joined Mary Burch BEM, Chair, Skylark lX Recovery Trust, Trustees and invited guests at the Scottish Maritime Museum in Dumbarton for the dedication of a bench commemorating Private Geoff Bryden the last Dunkirk Veteran in the area.   It was also an opportunity for the Trustees to share the exciting plans for Skylark as she finds a role within the community that will bring skills, employment, education, history and citizenship to the area.   Skylark lX was one of the Dunkirk Little Ships that served during Operation Dynamo in May 1940 during  the ten day mission to save 338,000 Allied soldiers from the Dunkirk beaches in World War ll.

Further details on the Skylark lX, its history and future can be found HERE

(Photos, courtesy of Martin Shields Photography, in column to the left)

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DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Chrissie and Joe Collins from Lennoxtown who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.   Deputy Lieutenant Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE presented the couple with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, conveyed the best wishes of the Council.

(Photo in Column to the Left)

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21 May 2021

THE QUEENS GREEN CANOPY

Lord-Lieutenant Mrs Jill Young MBE is delighted to support the official launch of The Queen’s Green Canopy – the QGC - a unique tree planting campaign created to mark Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. This unique initiative invites everyone from all corners of the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” in honour of The Queen’s 70 years of service to this Nation.   Everyone from individuals to youth groups, villages, cities, counties, schools and corporates will be encouraged to plant trees from October 2021 when the tree planting season begins, through to the end of the Jubilee year in 2022.

The countdown to planting season has begun, giving people time throughout the summer to plan their planting projects and to get planting in October.   Planting trees and protecting forests are simple, cost effective, ways to slow climate change, filter our air, enhance our communities, and provide habitats for wildlife.

The Queen’s Green Canopy will focus on planting sustainably - trees and hedgerows must be planted with care, at the right time of year, in the right place and with species that are not prone to prevailing tree diseases.  As well as planting new trees, The Queen’s Green Canopy will dedicate a network of 70 Ancient Woodlands across the United Kingdom and identify 70 Ancient Trees to celebrate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service.

The Lord-Lieutenant would be delighted to receive invitations for the Lieutenancy to become involved in local projects which should be sent to her Clerk of the Lieutenancy, Mrs Joyce White OBE, Council Offices, 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, G82 1QL.

Further details of the The Queen’s Green Canopy can be found at its official site www.queensgreencanopy.org

A synopsis of the project can be found by clicking HERE

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18 January 2021

APPOINTMENT OF VICE LORD-LIEUTENANT

Lord-Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire Mrs Jill Young is pleased to announce that Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of Miss Linda Moffat, currently a Deputy Lieutenant in Dunbartonshire, to be the Vice Lord- Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

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NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST 2021

3 Awards have been made to residents of Dunbartonshire.   Congratulations are extended to:

CBE – Professor Sheila Rowan MBE FRS FRSE Director, Institute for Gravitational Research and Chief Scientific Adviser for Scotland For services to Science

OBE – Lorraine Canavan Head, Payment Operation, H.M. Revenue and Customs. For services to Leadership and to Service Delivery

BEM – Elizabeth Sarah Saunders  Manager, Waverley Court Care Home, Helensburgh. For services to Social Care in Scotland, particularly during the Covid-19 Response

We are also pleased to acknowledge and congratulate Commodore Donald Doull, Naval Base Commander, HMNB Clyde, who has been honoured with a CBE in the Military Honours List.

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31 December 2020

Appointment of New Deputy Lieutenant

HM Lord-Lieutenant Jill Young MBE is pleased to announce that the name of Mr James Rogers was submitted to HM The Queen for appointment as a Deputy Lieutenant in the County of Dunbartonshire, and that She has not disapproved of his appointment.  

James lives in Helensburgh, is married and has one daughter.  He served in the RAF for 3 years as a Hercules pilot, retiring with the rank of Flight Lieutenant, and then for the next 22 years he flew long haul for British Airways before retiring in 2017 as First Officer and Captain of the B767.  He is presently Rear Commodore of the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club and will be assuming the role of Commodore in 2021.  He is also an Elder of the Church of Scotland, Rhu and Shandon, and is the Veterans Champion for the Presbytery of Dumbarton.  James was a prime mover in the establishment of the Scottish Submarine Centre in Helensburgh and now acts as a volunteer and guide.

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24 December 2020

A Christmas Message

from

HM Lord-Lieutenant

Jill Young MBE

On this Christmas Eve when so many of us are facing such a different prospect of Christmas from that which we had planned or hoped for, I think that we must take time to remember the true meaning of Christmas.   It is a time of new beginnings with a hope of peace and joy to come in our world.   And whilst that may be difficult to contemplate after what we have all come through this past year, I have no doubt that each one of us has within ourselves the strength to make the most of this time that we will share with family, friends and neighbours, using all the communication means that we have had to become so used to.   Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp and FaceTime, amongst others, are being used by so many of us, across the whole age range, to keep in touch; and I hope that such means will help get us through Christmas this year.   But there are some in our community who will be alone, and lonely, young as well as old, and I hope that we may all find time to reach out in whatever way we can to let them know that they are not forgotten.   A phone call or a surprise present left on a doorstep are ways of doing this; and I have no doubt that you will be able to think of others.   I rather like the phrase from the hymn that says ‘it is in giving that we receive’   I hope that each and everyone of you will have a peaceful and happy Christmas in whatever way you can; with a hope for better times to come.

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15 December 2020

Mrs Jill Young MBE

HM Lord-Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire

On this, the first day of taking up my Commission I wish to thank my predecessor Rear Admiral Michael Gregory CVO OBE for his leadership and service to the Lieutenancy over the past 12 years and to wish him well for the future.

The past 9 months has been difficult for everyone and has impacted significantly on the ability of the Lieutenancy to interact with the community.   Where possible, with the use of technology and safe distancing, we have managed to continue some of our duties, but rightly with lockdowns and government guidance, like many, it has not been business as usual.   However, much work has continued behind the scenes and my hope is that as we gradually come through this pandemic our service to the community will be resumed and I am much looking forward to continuing the relationships that have been built up over many years with Local Government, Voluntary Organisations, Business and the Community; as well as our Armed Services and Cadet Forces.   I am hopeful that in the coming year we will have visits from members of The Royal Family to the County and I look forward to opportunities to meet with as many of you as is possible which, to an extent, will rely upon the number of invitations that I receive.   I feel honoured to have been chosen by Her Majesty The Queen to be Her Lord-Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire and with the help of my Deputies I hope to serve Her and you for many years to come.

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8 November 2020

Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory CVO OBE, led Acts of Remembrance by laying a wreath at the Clydebank War Memorial.   Despite the COVID_19 restrictions Deputies laid wreaths at Memorials throughout the County as individual acts of remembrance.   The Lord Lieutenant said 'Hopefully in 2021 we will return to normal services of remembrance but it was important this year, despite the restrictions, to show our gratitude to those in all walks of life who gave so much for our freedom, by laying wreaths at memorials in the usual way'

(See Photos in Left Hand Column)

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10 October 2020

Queen's Birthday Honours List 2020

Congratulations are extended to Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE who has been made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.   Awards in this category are in the personal gift of Her Majesty The Queen.

Congratulations are also extended to the Lord Lieutenant Designate Jill Young who has been made a Member of the Most Honourable Order of the British Empire (MBE) for Services to the NHS during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And last, but not least, congratulations are extended to Parminder Singh Purewal of Bearsden who has been made a Medallist of the Most Honourable Order of the British Empire (BEM) for Services to Hospitality in Renfrew.   Parminder is a Director of the Normandy Hotel in Renfrew.

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15 August 2020

VJ 75 Day

On this day 75 years ago Japan surrendered to the Allied Forces bringing to an end World War 2.   At the invitation of Old Kilpatrick Community Council Deputy Lieutenant James Owen Sayers MBE JP joined Chairperson Mrs Isobel Plunkett and Vice Chairperson Mrs Moira MacAulay at the Old Kilpatrick War Memorial in an act of Commemoration for those who gave their lives at home and abroad.   They were joined by Piper  Tam McArthur who played a lament leading up to a 2 minute period of silence.  Prior to, and at the end of the commemoration Isobel paid tribute to those who lost their life throughout the period of the war both overseas and on the home front.  Owen laid a wreath on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant and Moira laid a wreath on behalf of the Community.

(See Photos in Left Hand Column - Courtesy of Maureen Cummings, Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels)

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12 August 2020

Lord Lieutenant Designate

It has been announced today that Her Majesty The Queen has been pleased to approve that Mrs Jill Williamina Young be appointed  Lord Lieutenant for the Area of Dunbartonshire to replace the current Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE when he retires from Office on 15 December 2020.   Mrs Young was appointed as Vice Lord Lieutenant of the County on 22 March 2019 having previously been a Deputy Lieutenant.   Recently retired as CEO of the NHS Golden Jubilee Hospital in Clydebank she was appointed by the Scottish Government to set up and be CEO of the new Louisa Jordan Emergency Coronavirus Hospital unit at the Scottish Events Campus in Glasgow.   Additionally she has been tasked to set up and head the Scottish Track and Trace System for the control of spread of the Coronavirus.

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25 July 2020

Diamond Wedding

Congratulation are extended to John and Valerie Ashworth who received a card from Her Majesty The Queen on their Diamond Wedding Anniversary (60 years), delivered by Dr. Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire,

John and Valerie were married in Yorkshire from John Smith’s Tadcaster Brewery, where they were both employed at the time. It’s 46 years since they moved to Helensburgh, when John was appointed Managing Director of the Chivas Regal and Glenlivet Whisky Group. Valerie was bringing up their three children, Jonathan, Simon and Louise, and later owned Deja Vu, a small dress shop in the town .

In 1995 John was awarded an OBE for services to the Industry in Renfrewshire and the Scotch Whisky Industry and he retired in 1996.

Dr. Aitkenhead read out the message from Her Majesty The Queen and congratulated them on achieving sixty years of marriage.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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17 JUNE 2020

HMT LANCASTRIA

80th ANNIVERSARY OF SINKING

Today, Dr Gill Aitkenhead MBE DL HonDEd and Miss Linda Moffat RD DL, Deputy Lieutenants for Dunbartonshire, laid floral tributes on behalf of the families of HMT Lancastria and the Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire on this the 80^th Anniversary of the sinking of the troop ship off St Nazaire, a matter of days after Dunkirk.  To this day this is still the largest loss of life in maritime history.

Around the memorial at the Beardmore site in the grounds of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital the two Deputy Lieutenants were joined by some of the builders and landscapers still working at the hospital, all of whom knew about the importance of the date and who offered to take photographs of the laying of the floral tributes.  Sadly the families and friends, who come from far and wide, were unable to attend due to the government restrictions in place at present for the COVID - 19 pandemic.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

Click below for:

The HMT Lancastria Story

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02 JUNE 2020

QUEEN'S AWARD FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE 2020

Today the results of the QAVS 2020 Awards were announced.   Unfortunately neither of the 2 Groups nominated from Dunbartonshire were successful but both have received letters from the Awards Committee Chairman, Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, congratulating them on being nominated and expressing the gratitude of the Committee for the work that they are doing in the community.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by volunteer groups to benefit their local communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation.   Nominations for the 2021 Awards can be made on-line at https://qavs.culture.gov.uk and must be submitted by midnight on 25th September 2020 to make sure that nominated groups are considered for the 2021 awards.

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE sent his thanks to both Groups, The Milngavie Friendship Circle and The Dumbarton & District MS Group, for the sterling work that they are doing in the County.

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25 MARCH 2020

PLATINUM WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Elizabeth & James Kerr who celebrated 70 years together this day.  The happy couple live together in the Hillview Care Home.   They received a celebratory card with message from Her Majesty The Queen.

They worked as Textile Workers but love was found meeting each other at the Dyer’s Hall on Susannah Street, Alexandria. James would often say it was Elizabeth who had a shine for him.  

They got married on the 25th March at Alexandria North Church, Alexandria.  James was 27 and Elizabeth 21 - her mum had ruled she wouldn’t allow her to get married until she was 21, and on turning 21 she arranged their wedding.

They went on to have 3 children Jim, Elizabeth and Rosemary and have lots of grand children and great grandchildren.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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20 FEBRUARY 2020

100th BIRTHDAY

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Elizabeth Cowie who celebrated her 100th Birthday today.   She celebrated with a large gathering of family, friends,  members of the Kirkintilloch Bowling Club and former colleagues at the Kincaid House Hotel.

Deputy Lieutenant Ellen Gibson read out a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Brown passed on the best wishes of all at East Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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19 MARCH 2020

MESSAGE FROM HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

As Philip and I arrive at Windsor today, we know that many individuals and families across the United Kingdom, and around the world, are entering a period of great concern and uncertainty.

We are all being advised to change our normal routines and regular patterns of life for the greater good of the communities we live in and, in particular, to protect the most vulnerable within them.

At times such as these, I am reminded that our nation’s history has been forged by people and communities coming together to work as one, concentrating our combined efforts with a focus on the common goal.

We are enormously thankful for the expertise and commitment of our scientists, medical practitioners and emergency and public services; but now more than any time in our recent past, we all have a vitally important part to play as individuals - today and in the coming days, weeks and months.

Many of us will need to find new ways of staying in touch with each other and making sure that loved ones are safe. I am certain we are up to that challenge. You can be assured that my family and I stand ready to play our part.

ELIZABETH R

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11 MARCH 2020

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown and Registrar Christine Wilkie, East Dunbartonshire Council, 12 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Neha Malviya  from India

Ester Hillen from Slovakia

Amandeep Kaur from India

Ling Yu from China

Longxuan He from China  

Samira Mirzakhani fromIran

Katharyn Johnson Cross from USA

Amandeep Singh Oberai from India

Dilmeet Kaur Oberai from India

Asreet Kaur Oberai from India

Vivian Veronica Given from Nigeria

Charles William Knapp from USA

.(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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09 MARCH 2020

Commonwealth Day 2020

West Dunbartonshire Council in common with Council's throughout the country raised the Commonwealth Flag to mark Commonwealth Day.   Deputy Lieutenants Gill Aitkenhead MBE & Owen Sayers MBE JP joined Provost Willie Hendrie, local Councillors and Officers of West Dunbartonshire Council, at Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank for the ceremony.   Provost Hendrie invited Gill Aitkenhead MBE to read out a message from Her Majesty The Queen, and Chief Executive Joyce White OBE to read out a message from the Commonwealth Secretary-General the Rt Hon Patricia, Baroness Scotland QC.   Provost Hendrie concluded the ceremony by thanking all present for their attendance and asking them to join him in reading out the Pledge to the Commonwealth.

.(See Photo in Left Hand Column, Courtesy of Stewart Robertson Media)

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06 MARCH 2020

International Women's Day 2020

Lord Lieutenant Mike Gregory OBE and Deputies Gill Aitkenhead MBE & Owen Sayers MBE JP joined with Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council, Martin Docherty MP, Jackie Baillie MSP, local Councillors and representatives of the Police, local schools and other organisations to raise a flag for International Women's Day.

The Deputy Provost read out a message of support and Councillor Karen McAllister, Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Community Empowerment, gave a personal view of the need for everyone to work harder to support women in the workplace and community.   A large number of people had turned out in support.

.(See Photo in Left Hand Column, Courtesy of Stewart Robertson Media)

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29 FEBRUARY 2020

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Betty & Bill McKellar who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today having been married in the Radnor Park Church 60 years ago.  Bill worked in Yarrows as a Pattern Maker for a few years before moving to Singers for 18 years.  Betty was a Telephonist with the GPO. Before Bill and Betty married they took up ballroom dancing competitively and represented Scotland on numerous occasions, in various venues one being in the Royal Albert Hall in London, and were the Scottish Senior Champions for five years.  After retiring from work they moved to Blackpool and continued social dancing 3 times a week and made lots of new friends.  Bill and Betty then moved back to Clydebank in 2013 to be with their family.   The happy couple have 2 sons, Graham & Stuart, and a daughter, Lesley; and 7 Grandchildren and 2 Great Grandchildren.

The family celebrated with a meal in the Coast Restaurant, Langbank, and Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson read a congatulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Bill Hendrie brought gifts for the couple from West Dunbartonshire Coucil.

.(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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 DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Rita & Joe Wilson of Dumbarton who celebrated their Diamond Wedding on 27 February 2020 and are today celebrating the anniversary at a party in the Dumbuck House Hotel.   The couple were married in St Augustine's Church in Dumbarton. They have 3 children, 6 Grandchildren and 1 Great Grandaughter; as well as nieces and nepthews.   They are never happier than when they have family and friends around them and Rita regularly arranges days away when they can all get together.   She also planned the annual holidays for herself and Joe and they loved travelling abroad.   Joe and Rita say "the secret to 60 years of marriage is to have fun, a full house and take your vows seriously – for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health".

Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson read a congatulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Depute Provost Karen Conaghan brought gifts for the couple from West Dunbartonshire Coucil.

.(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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28 FEBRUARY 2020

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Regina Mpimpa from Zambia; and

Khurram Faraz Qadri from Pakistan

.(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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20 February 2020

100th Birthday

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Elizabeth Cowie who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Elizabeth is celbrating the day with a party in the Kincaid Hotel, Milton of Campsie.   Deputy Lieutenant Ellen Gibson read out a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

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17 February 2020

Platinum Wedding

Congratulations are extended to Mr & Mrs William McKee, Bill & Betty, who are celebrating 70 years of marriage today.   The couple met at a church youth club dance and after a 5 year courtship they married in the Douglas Hotel in Glasgow and then went on honeymoon to Pitlochy.   They have 2 daughters, Carol and Avril, and have 2 Grandchildren.   Betty said "the secret to having 70 years of marriage is simply to love one another, look after and take care of each other."

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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100th Birthday

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Marion (Maisie) Hawley from Drymen who celebrates her 100th birthday today.   Deputy Lieutenant Bobby Steel visited Maisie and read out a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

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13 February 2020

100th Birthday

Congratulations are extended to Miss Margaret Young of Bishopbriggs who celebrates her 100th birthday today.   Margaret is celebrating with a party which is being held at the Kirkintilloch Bowling Club of which she is the oldest and longest serving member. Deputy Lieutenant Garry Macleod MBE presented Margaret with a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen

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03 February 2020

Members of West Dunbartonshire Council gathered with members of the public and local schoolchildren at the Annual Flagraising of the Rainbow Flag to celebrate LGBTN Week.  The event took place in Solidarity Plaza which is opposite Clydebank Town Hall.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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29 January 2020

Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire Council

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Gary Pews East Dunbartonshire, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.  Congratulations are extended to;-

Oluwakayode Samson Onireti from Nigeria

Oluwatoyin Adeoye from Nigeria

Janice Adrean Brown Mackintosh from Jamaica

Fatma Ashraf from India

Azka Alam (minor 7 years) from India; and

Mohammad Ishaq Alam (minor 4 years) from UK.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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24 January 2020

 Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

Visit to Drumfork Community Centre

Her Royal Highness was welcomed by Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Mrs Jill Young and was invited to view and officially open the Drumfork Community Centre for military personnel and their families and to support the local community in Helensburgh. The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) helped fund the £2m renovation which is one of the largest ever projects undertaken by the Charity.   Greeting The Princess Royal were local primary school children, members of the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, Royal Navy Cadets and serving personnel.

Mrs Shelley Gilmour, Centre Manager, gave Her Royal Highness a tour of the centre including a visit to the new Children’s Nursery, St Margaret’s Community Church and IT Training Facilities.

The Drumfork Community Centre is a modern, family-oriented hub which brings together children and adults who share and understand the unique pressures of having a serving family member. It is estimated that some 2,000 users a month will make use of the new facilities. Over 50 community groups including local British Legion, West of Scotland Military Wives Choir, Scouts, Forces Family Fridays, Ships’ Company events, Geeks and Gamers, Mum and Toddlers, and Navy Mum’s Book group are among the many to make use of the centre.

The Royal Navy is in the process of relocating the Submarine Service and shore-based training to HM Naval Base Clyde, which will make it the largest employer in the West of Scotland and the largest military base north of the border.

Captain Nick Gibbons, Captain of HMS Neptune at HM Naval Base Clyde said “It is an honour to have Her Royal Highness join us today to officially open the centre”, and

the RNRMC’s Director Alasdair Akass said “To play our part in building community resilience is no better demonstrated than in this flagship project.”

The official opening of the centre was concluded by the unveiling of a plaque by Her Royal Highness.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column; for more photos click HERE)

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NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST 2020

4 Awards have been made to residents of Dunbartonshire.   Congratulations are extended to:

OBE

Helen HOLLAND - Co-Founder, In Care Abuse Survivors. For services to Survivors of Childhood Abuse

MBE

Manjulika SINGH - For services to Yoga, Health and Community Cohesion

BEM

Margaret Mary Rose MACINNES - For services to Highland Dancing and the community in Helensburgh, Dunbartonshire

Margarita SWEENEY-BAIRD - Founder and Chair, Inclusive Skating. For services to Skating

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27 JANUARY 2020

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY

Vice Lord Lieutenant Jill Young and Deputy Lieutenants Gill Aitkenhead MBE & Owen Sayers MBE JP joined with Provost William Hendrie and Members & Officers of West Dunbartonshire Council at a Flag Raising Ceremony in Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank, to mark the 75th Anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz Nazi Death Camp in 1945.   Provost Hendrie and Councillor Dianne Docherty read out messages and the Holcaust Prayer.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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24 JANUARY 2020

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, and Depute Registrar Lynne Bolton, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Petros Karsaliakos from Greece

Kalliopi Valyraki from Greece

Sidiqa Raufi from Afghanistan

Miria Convery from Romania

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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10 JANUARY 2020

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, and Depute Registrar Lynn Houston a local resident was sworn in as a British Citizen.   Congratulations are extended to:

Samika Sunuwar  from Sunsari, Nepal

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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24 DECEMBER 2019

100th Birthday

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Nancy Wilson who celebrated her 100th birthday today. Nancy resides at the Hillview Care Home in Dalmuir.   She and her husband Jimmy had two children Bill and Ann.   Family, friends and staff joined Nancy for a party at the Care Home.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers read out a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Hendrie presented her with a bouquet of flowers from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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18 DECEMBER 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, EDC, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Pankaj Jagmohan Anand from India

Shivani Karanwai from India

Gurinder Jeet Singh Sagoo from India

Mara Lyn Knapp from USA

Renee Fontaine Knapp (minor 17 years) from USA

Virginia Claire Knapp (minor 14 years) from USA

Joseph Oliver Knapp (minor 11 years) from UK, and

Firdos Shazad from Pakistan

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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17 DECEMBER 2019

100th Birthday

Congratulations are extended to David Niel who celebrated his 100th Birthday on Monday 16 December 2019. Deputy Lieutenant Tom Finnigan JP  and Provost William Hendrie visited him at home  and Tom presented him with a celebratory card from Her Majesty the Queen and Provost Hendrie presented him with gifts from West Dunbartonshire Council.

David was born in County Durham and later lived in Sunderland. He moved to the Vale of Leven and has lived there since 1973. He has 2 children and 2 Grandsons. David retired from the DHSS in 1973. He continued to work as a professional musician and is a former Musical Director of Glasgow Senior Citizens' Orchestra. He is still an active member of the Clydebank Salvation Army and sings in its choir. David says the key to living to 100 "is down to playing the trombone since I was 12."

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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25 November 2019

100th Birthday

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Annie McSherry of Bearsden who had a fantastic time celebrating her 100th birthday on 18th October at Buchanan Care Home in Bearsden.  Mrs McSherry was joined by Deputy  Lieutenant Ian Dickson, who presenetd her with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen, Father Joseph Mackle of St Andrew’s Church, daughter Rosemary and Provost Alan Brown.

Provost Brown said, “It was an honour to meet Mrs McSherry and join her very special birthday celebrations.  A 100th birthday is quite a milestone and I was delighted to congratulate Mrs McSherry on behalf of the people of East Dunbartonshire.”

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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21 November 2019

Diamond Wedding

Congratulations are extended to Sheila & Robert Livingstone of Lochlea Avenue, Clydebank who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.  They had 3 sons, 5 Grandchildren, 4 Step  Grandchildren, 2 Great Grandchildren and 3 Step Great Grandchildren.  Robert worked as a joiner in the John Brown Shipyard and Shiela worked in Police Headquarters in Pitt Street, Glasgow.  The couple had a celebration with family on Saturday 23 November.   Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson read out a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Bill Hendrie presented them with gifts from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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12 November 2019

Annual Review of Girlguiding - Dunbartonshire

HM Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Jill Young,  attended the Annual Review of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire held in Dumbarton Academy on Tuesday 12 November 2019.  She was warmly welcomed by the Chairman, County President Mrs Morag Hart MBE JP DL, who invited her to present Queen’s Guide Awards, a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award, Commonwealth Awards, Baden-Powell Challenge Certificates, and Gold Awards.

In her speech, Mrs Young said “I congratulate the girls on achieving their Awards for which they have worked with much dedication and perseverance.

I acknowledge the valuable commitment given to Guiding by all the willing volunteers and, on behalf of HM The Queen, I thank everyone for the work that they do so cheerfully to bring Guiding to the girls”.

She also gave an overview of the important work of the Lieutenancy throughout the County, interspersed with a few amusing anecdotes, and concluded by wishing all in Girlguiding Dunbartonshire well in the future.

The meeting was attended by the Depute Provost of West Dunbartonshire Councillor Karen Conaghan, who warmly welcomed Girlguiding to West Dunbartonshire, the Deputy Scottish Chief Commissioner Dr Lisa Millar who also presented Awards, members of other organisations, families and members of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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06 November 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Lesley McKenzie, EDC, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Ranjit Kaur from India

Promise Okoye from Nigeria

Tonna Obiechina Okoye from Nigeria

Sandeep Pandya from India

Edward Robert Strong  from Kenya

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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04 October 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council and Depute Registrar Allison Speedie, 3 local residents were sworn in as  British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Zobia Saleem from Pakistan.

Ujjwal Karki from Nepal.

Amayikai Ajibauka Ishaku from Nigeria

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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25 September 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Lesley McKenzie, EDC, 3 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Isaac Jeon from the USA

Naomi Brooke Knapp from the USA

Songa Franke-Arnold from Germany

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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20 September 2019

Diamond Wedding

Congratulations are extended to Lily and Ronnie Stevenson, Clark Street, Dalmuir who celebrated their Diamond Wedding on 19 September 2019. They met in 1956 and were married 3 years later in Barmulloch Church with a reception afterwards at Burlington House in Bath Street, Glasgow.   A couple of years later they moved to the home they still live in, in Dalmuir.   They have 3 sons and a daughter, Ronald, Raymond, Rodney and Gillian, whose marriages brought partners, Allison Emily, Karen & Stephen into the family and they are now Gran & Papa to grandchildren Holly, Laura, Christopher, Greer, Lucy, Rachel, Craig & Lynsey.

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie visited the couple at their home where Provost Hendrie presented the happy couple with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of whisky from West Dunbartonshire Council and Mr Sayers read out a   congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen expressing Her pleasure on hearing that the couple were celebrating their Diamond Wedding and wished them well.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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18 September 2019

Congratulations are extended to boys of the Strathkelvin Battalion The Boys' Brigade who were presented with The Queen's and President's Award by Deputy Lieutenant Gerry McElroy MBE in Condorrat Parish Church last night.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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17 September 2019

Diamond Wedding

Congratulations are extended to Margaret and Harry Stevenson, Old Kilpatrick, who celebrated their Diamond Wedding on Saturday 14 September 2019. Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie visited the couple at their home where Provost Hendrie presented the happy couple with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of whisky from West Dunbartonshire Council and Mr Sayers read out a   congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen expressing Her pleasure on hearing that the couple were celebrating their Diamond Wedding and wished them well.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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12 September 2019

Congratulations are extended to Jean and Angus Brown, Hardgate, Clydebank who celebrated their Diamond Wedding on Thursday 12 September 2019.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost William Hendrie visited the couple at their home where Provost Hendrie presented the happy couple with a bouquet of flowers and a bottle of whisky from West Dunbartonshire Council.   Her Majesty The Queen sent a congratulatory card expressing Her pleasure on hearing that the couple were celebrating their Diamond Wedding and wished them well.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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10 September 2019

999 Emergency Services Day

Together with Local Authorities around the UK West Dunbartonshire Council held a Flag Raising Ceremony to show its commitment and support to the brave men and women who work on the front line, saving lives, and keeping our communities safe.   By raising the flag the Council wished to let those serving and past members of the emergency services in its community know that it appreciates the work that they do every single day.

Over two million people work in the British Emergency Services many of whom are volunteers.   This day the Coucil remembered more than 7,000 personnel who have lost their life in the course of their duties.   West Dunbartonshire Council works closely with the emergency services, and it is grateful for the vital support and assistance which allows it to keep its residents safe.

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP joined with Provost William Hendry, Chief Executive Joyce White and members and officers from the council and emergency services at the Flag Raising Ceremony.   After the flag was raised a two minute silence was held and the ceremony was brought to a close by the playing of the Last Post by Mr Chris French-Leitch.

(See Photos in Left Hand Column)

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04 September 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council and Assistant Registrar Lynne Bolton, 3 local residents were sworn in as  British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Saima Naseem from Pakistan

Ellen Taylor from the United States of America

Nuha Abdelazeez Adam Ali from Sudan

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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03 September 2019

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

West Dunbartonshire Council, in common with Local Authorities throughout the United Kingdom, raised the Red Ensign at the Solidarity Plaza in Clydebank on Tuesday 03 September 2019 at 10.00 am to mark Merchant Navy Day.   Merchant Navy Day is the United Kingdom's opportunity to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage, and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchany Navy.   Provost William Hendrie was joined by Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE, and Lieutenenacy Clerk Joyce White,   Councillors and Officers, together with Lieutenant Commander George Troup BEM and Officers of the Sea Cadets from Clydebank who formed a Guard of Honour.  Provost Hendrie welcomed all present and paid tribute to all those past and present who have served in the Merchant Navy.  A message from HRH The Duke of Wessex was read out by the Lord Lieutenant.   The Ensign was then raised by Provost Hendrie.

(See Photo in Left Hand Column)

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14 August 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Gary Pews, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Assen Iliev Rizov from Bulgaria

Baris Ezgu from Turkey

Anne Fraser Morgan from USA

Yun Yan Cao from China, &

Mandy Stephanie Glass from Germany

(See photo in left hand column)

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7 July 2019

 Citizenship Ceremony - West Dunbartonshire.

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson, Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as  British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Tellia Nyau Nzobokela from Zambia, and

Baya Yanes from Algeria

(See photo in left hand column)

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13 July 2019

Congratulations are extended to Mr and Mrs Bob Hamilton who celebrated their Platinum Wedding (70 years) on  Sunday  13 July 2019 at their home in Bearsden.   Bob joined the Police and was a uniformed Inspector in Glasgow before he retired in the late 1980s  when he went into retail security.  Isabel was a part-time Auxiliary Nurse working at Oakbank Hospital and then Drumchapel Hospital.  They lived in Knightswood before coming to live in Bearsden with their daughters, Linda and Irene.  Their Anniversary party was held in their garden and they were joined by a surprise visit from their son who had flown in from abroad, a grand-daughter and great grand-daughter.  Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP read out and presented a card of congratulations from Her Majesty The Queen.  Also attending were Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan and Provost Alan Brown who presented the couple with a framed copy of their marriage certificate, a card and flowers on behalf of East Dunbartonshire Council. 

(See photo in left hand column)

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05 July 2019

On Friday 05 July 2019 HRH The Princess Royal visited the Scottish Submarine Centre.  In the photos in the left hand column She is seen talking to Brian Keating, CEO and Founder of the Museum which contains HMS Stickleback and has world leading interactive show working around the submarine. 

(See photos in left hand column)

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Citizenship Ceremony - East Dunbartonshire Council

At a ceremony on 03 July 2019 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 9 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Nataliya Dasiukevich from Russia

Anben Mooneesawmy from Mauritius

Silpa Vasudevan Nair from India

Athul Abhilash (Minor 10 years) from India

Chinmay Abhilash (Minor 9 years) from India

Faiza Pervaiz from Pakistan

Aatif Sohail Minhas from Pakistan

Mathis Heydtmann from Germany

Muhammad Zubair from Pakistan

(See photo in left hand column)

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28 June 2019

Visit of HM The Queen

On Friday 28 June 2019 Her Majesty The Queen arrived by Royal Train to Croy Station where she was welcomed by Deputy Lieutenant Gerry McElroy MBE, Mrs Stacy Walker, Lieutenancy Officer, and daughter Jenny (1), along with Chloe and Jamie Smith (6,3) and Maisie Moonlight (7) who presented Her Majesty with a posy of flowers.  Hundreds of children from Holy Cross Primary School accompanied by their Head Teacher, Mrs Marie Murphy, had lined the driveway of the station waving flags and cheering as She passed by.

Her Majesty was met at Greenfaulds High School by the Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE who was attended by the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet CSM Jack Lord.  He then presented Lady Susan Haughey, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire, Mr John Swinney, Deputy First Minister of Scotland, Councillor T Castles, Deputy Provost of North Lanarkshire, Mr Des Murray, Chief Executive North Lanarkshire Council, Deputy Lieutenant Anne Walker, and Mrs Linda Park - Head Teacher of the High School who escorted Her Majesty on a tour of the school.

Her Majesty was given a Gaelic welcome by senior pupils Breagha Miller and Hannah Russell.  Mrs Park then presented Bobby Johnstone and May Millar of the Cumbernauld Historical Society to Her Majesty who then viewed a Community Project Exhibition.  Deputy Lieutenant Anne Walker then escorted Lady Haughey and Deputy Provost Castles to the Athletics Track where Lady Haughey presented to Her Majesty recipients of awards, staff and pupils; during which time the North Lanarkshire Schools’ Pipe Band played.  Her Majesty then presented awards to Mr Jim Park, Principal Music Instructor, and to Mr Donald Pegrum, Cumbernauld Athletic Club, for their services to the school and community. 

Her Majesty was then escorted to the school auditorium where 300 pupils, staff, parents and assembled guests were seated.   Isla Duke from Condorrat Primary School gave an excellent Gaelic Poetry Recitation followed by a musical piece by East Dunbartonshire String Ensemble. Her Majesty then presented School awards to Fraser O’Brien and Zoe Train who had just completed the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.   In addition a surprise award was presented to the Deputy Head Eileen McLoughlin who was retiring that very day after 32 years service.   Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, then invited Her Majesty to unveil a plaque commemorating the visit and was then thanked by senior pupils Cameron Macindoe and Elise Mc Cormack and was presented with a posy from Archie Wilson (5) 

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE then escorted Her Majesty from the school to see gathered students, friends and family whilst the South Lanarkshire Pipe Band played a selection of music.  He then escorted Her Majesty to Her car where She took her leave. 

(See photo in left hand column and more photos HERE

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17 June 2019

Lancastria Commemoration

Every year the Golden Jubilee Trust hosts Scotland’s annual remembrance event of the sinking of  the HMT Lancastria in World War ll   Chief Executive of the Golden Jubilee Trust Jann Gardner said:

"We are honoured to be the site of the official Lancastria Memorial, ensuring that people can continue to pay their respects to individuals, families, friends and loved ones.

About 4,000 men, women and children lost their lives when the Lancastria sank 20 minutes after it was bombed by the Germans near the French port of Saint-Nazaire on 17 June 1940. This was the largest loss of life from a single engagement for British forces in World War Two and is also the largest loss of life in British maritime history. 

It is fitting that we have the memorial on the site of what was the William Beardmore and Sons shipbuilding yard. It is important to remember and honour those who died, providing comfort and focus of remembrance for the thousands of relatives who lost loved ones.

We are once again proud and humbled to welcome everyone associated with the Lancastria Association of Scotland here today and we will continue to offer our support in the years ahead"

Vice Lord Lieutenant Jill Young welcomed all present and thanked the Golden Jubilee Trust for again hosting the annual commemoration which is so much appreciated by the family members of those who lost their life and by the Lancastria Association.   She welcomed family members and representatives of the Association who were present.  She also thanked the Kier Group for its assistance in protecting the site during the ongoing construction works taking place at the Golden Jubilee Hospital site.   Jill then invited all present to make their way to the Memorial site where wreaths were laid and a short period of silent contemplation was held.  

(See photo in left hand column and more photos HERE)

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14 June 2019

Deputy Lieutenants Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Morag Hart MBE JP were invited by the Junior 1 and 2 teachers to come to Lomond School, Helensburgh, on Monday 10 June 2019 to talk to them about HM The Queen.  The children were all very interested and asked lots of questions eg  "Does the Queen have cleaners? Does she have guards?  When does The Queen wear her crown?  What are the badges you are wearing?  Were we going home to Buckingham Palace today?"  It was a delightful hour of joy.

Gill and Morag were also invited to the P1 and P2 Assembly on Friday 14 June to present the children with their Clarendon Ranger Awards. This is a programme of structured, outdoor, active learning, in all weathers, where the children learn about plants, animals and the environment, and take part in a variety of land and water based activities.  There was a presentation showing them having great fun in many of the activities which was enjoyed by the children, their parents and grandparents.   Gill and Morag then presented the children with their Clarendon Ranger badges and certificates.

(See photo in left hand column)

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13 June 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - HELENSBURGH

At a ceremony today in the Marriage Room of Argyll & Bute Council in Helensbugh attended by Deputy Lieutenant Linda Moffat and Registrar Jane McGregor, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Juan Carlos Cano Triay from Spain;and

Samantha Anne Constantino Gallagher from The Philippines

(See photo in left hand column)

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22 May 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 3 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Myriam Solar Abboud from Spain;

Gurpreet Singh from India;  and

Luis Santiago Alguero Cuervo from Spain.

(See photo in left hand column)

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08 May 2019

Congratulations are extended to Their Royal Highnesses The Earl & Countess of Dumbarton who have today announced that Their son born on Monday of this week will be known as Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor.

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25 April 2019

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Elizabeth 'Bessie' Irving who is today celebrating her 107th birthday.  She was born and attended school in Motherwell until she was 14 and then took up various employments before finding a position as a general maid in Westerton House just outside Balloch.   It was there that she met her future husband Jimmy who was from a neighbouring farm; Blairhosh.   They married in Motherwell on 29th June 1945 and spent their married life at Blairhosh Cottage until Jimmy died at the age of 53.   Bessie continued living in the cottage with her 2 brothers-in-law, Tom and David.   When they died the cottage and farm were sold and Bessie moved to Alexandria.   In 2018 she moved into Balquidder Care Home where she still lives.   Bessie loves nothing more than a plate of mince & tatties, a good cup of tea, and a natter with her neighbours.

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP read out and presented Bessie with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.   Provost William Hendrie and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan presented her with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council.

We believe that Bessie may be the oldest resident in Dunbartonshire to have reached the grand old age of 107; unless you know otherwise?

(See photo in left hand column)

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22 April 2019

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Christina Watson who celebrates her 100th birthday today.  An Aberdonian and one of eight children, she married Norman Watson and had 2 sons, has 2 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren.   She moved to Crosslet House  Dumbarton in 2018.  A very keen knitter, she knits hats for premature babies which are distributed to local hospitals.  A devotee of the TV programme Countdown, she takes great pleasure in solving the conundrums before the contestants.

Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson presented Christina with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan presented her with a bouquet of flowers on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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10 April 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 10 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Nicholas Nils Jonsson from Australia

Yee Cheng Lau from Malaysia

Grzegorz Prazmowski from Poland

Shakeel Ahmed from Pakistan

Tai Feng Chen from China

Inah Ezukwa Omoronyia from Nigeria

Theresa Omoronyia from Nigeria

Henendem-Obasi David Omoronyia from the UK

Rajunor-Obasi Daniel Omoronyia from the UK

Mojisola Bola Ajayi from Nigeria

(See photo in left hand column)

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06 April 2019

Congratulations are extended to Nora & Ian MacDonald who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today with a party for family and friends in the Barns O' Clyde hall in Second Avenue. The couple were married on 3rd April 1959 in the Baptist Church in Alexander Street, Clydebank.   They held their reception in the family home in Meldrum Street, Whitecrook, where they stayed for 4 years.   During that time daughter Fiona and sons Ian & Calum were born.   They then moved to Davidson Street, Whitecrook, where they have lived for the past 55 years.   The couple have 3 grandchildren.

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP presented the couple with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen, and, Provost William Hendrie presented Nora with a bouquet of Flowers and Ian with a bottle of whisky on behalf of the Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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05 April 2019

BEM PRESENTATION

Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE today presented Lenzie man Mr Alistair J. Whitelaw with his British Empire Medal (BEM) bestowed on him by Her Majesty The Queen in the 2019 New Year's Honours List.   The award recognised his work with the 1st Lenzie Boys' Brigade Company over a period of almost 70 years, with 50 of them as an Officer.   Over the years he has received many accolades for his work and in 2011 he received the Battalion's Long Service Award for his 62 years of service.  

Following the presentation The Lord Lieutenant said: “Thanks to his unwavering dedication, Alistair has shaped the lives of many young people in Lenzie over the last 70 years.  He has gone above and beyond the call of duty as a BB Officer with 1^st Lenzie Company and his commitment as a member and Elder of Lenzie Union Parish Church and as a Duke of Edinburgh Award instructor, is very admirable. There are many elements to the work that I do as Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, but meeting people like Alistair, who have made such a tremendous impact on the lives of others, is undoubtedly the highlight.”

The ceremony was hosted by East Dunbartonshire Council in its Chambers in the South Marina Building in Kirkintilloch.   Provost Alan Brown represented the Council and commented:  “Alistair is a well-respected and much admired member of the Lenzie community, and even after 70 years of commitment, he is still inspiring young people as an officer at the 1^st Lenzie BB Company.  It is an honour to meet Alistair and a great pleasure to welcome his family and friends to the Council Chambers to see him receive the BEM for his services to the Boys’ Brigade in East Dunbartonshire.” 

Music for the special event was provided by the East Dunbartonshire String Orchestra, featuring pupils from Bearsden Academy and Douglas Academy who had given up a day of their Spring Holidays to be present.   The ceremony commenced with the orchestra playing The National Anthem and then they played incidental music which was much enjoyed by all present.

(See photo in left hand column.  More photos to follow soon)

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04 April 2019

Congratulations are extended to Betty & Charlie Hannaway who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today with family and friends in their home at Church Court, Dumbarton.   They were both born in Dumbarton and lived in the town all their lives.   They married on 04 April 1959 in St Michael's Church and had their reception in the Dumbuck Hotel.  They have 4 children: Charles, David, Joan & May; 4 Grandchildren: Rosalind, Rhonan, Daniel & Liam; and, not forgetting their 2 Great Grandchildren: Orlah and Leo.

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP attended on behalf of the Lieutenancy and Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council,  on behalf of the Council, presented Betty with a bouquet of flowers and Charlie with a bottle of whisky.

(See photo in left hand column)

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30 March 2019

West Dunbartonshire Council today signed a Friendship Charter with Kilkenny in the Republic of Ireland.   The Charter was signed by Provost William Hendrie and Baillie Denis Agnew for West Dunbartonshire Council and Mayor of the County Council of Donegal, Ian McGarvey, who represents the electoral area of Kilkenny on the Council.   There are strong historic links between Kilkenny and West Dunbartonshire; particularly the town of Clydebank.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP represented the Lord Lieutenant at the signing ceremony.   Also present was Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, Martin Docherty MP, Gil Paterson MSP, Mark Hanniffy Consul General of Ireland to Scotland, Liam Ward, Director of Community Development & Planning Services of Donegal County Council, local councillors and members of the local community.   Provost Hendrie, Mayor McGarvey, Martin Docherty and Gil Paterson all spoke of the desire to promote stronger cultural, economic and tourism ties between Kilkenny, Donegal and the Republic of Ireland.

(See photo in left hand column)

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12 March 2019

Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan was recently invited to open the Women of Milngavie Exhibition.

This exhibition, organised by Milngavie Heritage Centre, was a celebration of women who are no longer with us but lived, worked and contributed to Milngavie.

The exhibition was open from 2nd to 9th March 2019 as part of Local History Week 2019.

(See photo in left hand column)

11th March 2018

COMMONWEALTH FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, representing the Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, today joined with Provost William Hendrie,  elected members and officers of West Dunbartonshire Council, in common with Councils throughout the United Kingdom, to raise the Commonwealth Flag in commemoration of Commonwealth Day.   The Deputy Lieutenant read a message from the Secretary General of the Commonwealth and Provost Hendrie spoke of the values of the British Commonwealth.  All present then joined together and read out the Pledge to the Commonwealth

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09 March 2019

CLYDEBANK BLITZ COMMEMORATION SERVICE

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, representing Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, today joined with Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and the local community in Clydebank to commemorate those who lost their life on the nights of 13th & 14th March 1941 in the Clydebank Blitz.   Together with local dignitaries and members of the Clydebank and Polish community he laid wreaths at the memorials in Dalnottar Cemetery and at the Polish memorial in Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank.   Following on from these venues those present made their way to the Titan Crane site on the banks of the River Clyde where a plaque was unveiled by Provost Hendrie to commemorate the officers and men of the Polish warship, ORP Piorun, who took part in defending  Clydebank on the nights of the Blitz.

(See photos in left hand column - courtesy of Stewart Robertson)

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06 March 2019

HRH The Princess Royal joined the Citizens Advice Scotland 80^th Anniversary Conference yesterday held at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cumbernauld.   She was welcomed by Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE.

The Princess Royal recognised 80 years of the Citizens Advice Bureau and presented awards to the winners of the Volunteer Award Scheme, cut an 80^th anniversary cake and met with finalists, volunteers and staff from across the Scottish CAB service.

Citizens Advice Bureaux first appeared in 1939, when over 200 were established throughout the UK. Bureaux are all governed by a Central Committee in London.  The first Scottish bureau was in Glasgow, but further bureaux opened in Edinburgh, Aberdeen and elsewhere soon afterwards.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has been the Patron of Citizens Advice Scotland for over a quarter of a century and during that time has visited numerous bureaux across Scotland and met with their volunteers and colleagues.

(See photo in left hand column - courtesy of Stewart Attwood Photography)

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CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony on 27 February 2019 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Gary Pews, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 3 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens. Congratulations are extended to:

Chukwugoziem Ibonye from Nigeria

Gregory Sivashinsky from The Russian Federation

Alison J Craig from The USA

(See photo in left hand column)

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26 February 2019

VICE LORD-LIEUTENANT STEPS DOWN.

After ten years as Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Gill Aitkenhead MBE is stepping sideways.  The Lord Lieutenant wished her a happy ”retirement” and thanked her for her exceptional service over the past ten years.

He is delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Jill Young as the new Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire and he wished his new VLL every success in her new job.

Gill Aitkenhead said that the past ten years have been an extraordinary experience as well as a very real privilege and honour.  She is looking forward to giving our new VLL all the support she can in the future.

Jill Young, having recently retired after forty years in the NHS, said that she is honoured to be the new VLL and is looking forward to a busy and exciting new “career”. 

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22 February 2019

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council and Acting Registrar Lynne Bolton, 6 local residents were sworn in as  British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Dawid Janusz Slusarz from Poland

Serkan Akgul from Turkey

Grace Ajibauka Ishaku from Nigeria

Elizabeth Mwikali from Kenya

Tami Halima Nabukenya from Uganda

Isimwa Rudo Kakupa from Zambia

(See photo in left hand column)

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20 February 2019

Elizabeth Cross & Scroll Presentation

At a moving Ceremony held in the Council Chamber of East Dunbartonshire Council on 20 February 2019, The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll were presented to Mrs Kathleen Pollok by Provost Alan Brown who said that he was privileged to do so.   The Elizabeth Cross is engraved on the reverse with “Leading Seaman William Moir, JX150273.

Mrs Pollok is the daughter of Leading Seaman William Moir who was killed on board HMS Consort during the Yangtse Incident in 1949.  She said that it was a great honour to receive this poignant remembrance of her Father which she received as his next of kin.  She was also presented with the Malaya Clasp.

A citation for Leading Seaman William Moir, who was 28 when he died, was read by Major Pete Curtis MBE BMus(Hons) PGDip  LRSM  AMusTCL, Royal Marines,  who said it was a great tribute to William Moir.

Accompanying Kathleen Pollok was her husband Archie and their 2 sons, Ross and Fraser.  Also attending were Deputy Lieutenants Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Gary Pews and the joint Leaders of the Council Vaughan Moody and Andrew Polson.    

 The Elizabeth Cross was created in 2009 for families of Armed Forces personnel who died on operations or through an act of terrorism. It can be awarded posthumously for anyone who died from 1 January 1948, to the present day. It is designed to be worn with civilian clothes, the cross for formal occasions and the miniature for everyday.

The cross is made from hallmarked silver and bears the English rose, the Welsh daffodil, the Scottish thistle, and the Irish shamrock. In the centre is the crowned symbol of Queen Elizabeth II.

In a message to Her Armed Forces, Her Majesty The Queen said:

"This seems to me a right and proper way of showing our enduring debt to those who are killed while actively protecting what is most dear to us all.

The solemn dignity which we attach to the names of those who have fallen is deeply engrained in our national character. As a people, we accord this ultimate sacrifice the highest honour and respect. 

I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation's debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our country. We will remember them all."

(See photo in left hand column)

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14 February 2019

At two recent West Dunbartonshire Flag Raising Events recognising Holocaust Remembrance Week and LGBT Week held in Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank, the Lieutenancy was represented by Jill Young, Vice Lord Lieutenant and Owen Sayers MBE JP, Deputy Lieutenant.   Both events had the support of the MP, MSP and local Councillors together with young people from local schools.

(See photo in left hand column)

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CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony on 10 January 2019 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 6 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Giovanna Vignati born in Italy

Yuxuan Xu born in China

Qingxuan Xu born in the UK

Raza Ali Abdulla born in Iran

Masoumeh Rezaie born in Iran

Sina Yaghoobi born in Iran

Arissa Yaghoobi born in the UK

(See photo in left hand column)

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NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST 2019

6 Awards have been made to residents of Dunbartonshire.   Congratulations are extended to:

CBE – Professor Iain McInnes for services to medicine

OBE – Graham Bell for services to education, residential child care and social enterprise

MBE – Rajinder Singh Bajwe for services to the hospitality industry and charity in Glasgow

MBE – Rosemary Wright for services to mental health issues

MBE – Margaret McLellan  for services to highland dancing

BEM – Alistair Whitelaw  for services to the Boy’s Brigade in East Dunbartonshire

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30 DECEMBER 2018

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Susan Johnstone from Alexandria who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   She worked in the family business, Caufield's Fruit & Flower shops in Dumbarton and Alexandria until she was 75.   She and her husband married in 1937 and had 2 daughters, Cathleen and Anne, who emigrated to Canada and the United States, respectively, and Susan was able to travel to see them until she was 94.   She celebrated her birthday last night with family and friends at the Duck Bay Restaurant on Loch Lomondside.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP read out a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council, presented her with a large bouquet of flowers on behalf of the Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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22 DECEMBER 2018

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Jessie Bradshaw from Mountblow, Clydebank who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   She was visited by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP who read out a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.   Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, presented her with a bouquet of flowers from the Council.  Jessie celebrated her special day with her daughter Janet, family and friends at a party in her home.

(See photo in left hand column)

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13 December 2018

The Glasgow and West of Scotland Branch of the Association of Wrens met for their annual Christmas lunch on Thursday 13^th December at St Stephen’s Church, Renfield Street, Glasgow.  They were joined by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Miss Gill Aitkenhead MBE, herself an ex Wren, and she helped the other 15 branch members present celebrate the 104^th birthday of one of their members, Mrs Ailsa Stewart from Campbeltown, the mother of Mr Patrick Stewart the Lord Lieutenant of Argyll & Bute. All these ex Wrens met with the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at the Palace of Holyrood House last year.  As can be seen by the photograph, a very happy time was had by all. 

(See photo in left hand column)

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CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony on 12 December 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 8 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Anne Marie McNair born in the USA

Francisco Javier Jermyn Soler born in Spain

Linnea Pearl Soler born in the USA

Anthony Michael Soler born in the UK

Abdullah Hakan Gonenc born  in Turkey

Hacer Rana Gonenc born in Turkey

Arman Gonenc born in Turkey

Wai Hong Lee born in Macau

(See photo in left hand column)

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09 DECEMBER 2018

CHURCHES TOGETHER - CLYDEBANK

The Annual Churches Together Christmas Carol Service took place in Clydebank Town Hall today.   The service was led by Reverend Ishaku, Chairman of Churches Together and the Band of The Salvation Army, Clydebank Citadel,  Choirs from Clydebank Primary School and St. Stephen's Primary School sang carols and read out poems.   Members of the congregations of the Churches Together, parents and members of the community joined in the singing of carols.  Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost William Hendry, Councillor John Mooney  and Chief Executive Joyce White OBE, West Dunbartonshire Council, joined with the clergy from the Clydebank area.   The reverend Dr Ruth Morrison delivered a Christmas Message and Provost Hendrie wished all present a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

(See photo in left hand column)

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08 DECEMBER 2018

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Mary McDonald from Clydebank who celebrated her 100th birthday today.   Mary celebrated her special day with relatives and friends at a reception in Clydebank District Golf Club.   Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young presented Mary with a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen.  Mary was thrilled to receive the personal card from Her Majesty and was delighted to hear that Jill also started her career the same as she did as an Auxiliary Nurse. Provost Bill Hendrie presented Mary with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a card on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Council.      Mary married husband Robert McDonald in 1939 and they had 3 children - Agnes, Elizabeth and Robert.  Mary also has 9 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren. She lived in Mountblow, Clydebank for the majority of her life before moving to Dumbarton to live with her daughter, Agnes.

Mary worked as a nurse in the Western Infirmary until retirement. 

(See photo in left hand column)

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07 DECEMBER 2018

The Official opening of the refurbished Kirkintilloch Town Hall took place on Friday 16th November and on hand to represent the Lieutenancy were Vice Lord Lieutant Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Deputy Lieutenat Frank Dunn CBE who is also a Freeman of the Barony Burgh of Kirkintilloch.

(See photo in left hand column)

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21 NOVEMBER 2018

On Wednesday 21^st November, Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire presented the Hendry Vase to the 1^st Cove and Kilcreggan Brownies.  The Hendry Vase is presented annually to the group who has shown Guiding principles in an outstanding way and the Brownies did this by packing 47 shoe boxes filled with “goodies” and essentials and sending them to 2 Scots who have recently deployed to Iraq.

Their Brownie Leader, Nicola Milne, contacted the Commanding Officer of 2 Scots back in October, with the help of one the Brownie’s father, who is a former Argyll & Sutherland Highlander -  and the rest is history!

(See photo in left hand column)

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14 NOVEMBER 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council and Acting Registrar Lynne Bolton, 3 local residents were sworn in as  British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Raffaele Antero Gioiella born in Italy

Michal Jan Niemiec born in Poland

Georgeta Militaru born in Romania

(See photo in left hand column)

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11 NOVEMBER 2018

On this 100th Anniversary of the end of the Great War of 1914 to 1918 the Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, led the Acts of Remembrance that took place throughout Dunbartonshire.   The Lieutenancy was represented at every Service of Remembrance throughout the County.   In commemoration of this anniversary many special Acts of Remembrance, bagpipe laments, and displays took place.   A beacon was lit at 19:00hrs on the Dumpling Hill in Gartocharn as part of the national lighting of a chain of beacons throughout the United Kingdom.

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09 NOVEMBER 2018

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Mary Robertson from Old Kilpatrick who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Mary now lives in the Edinbarnet Nursing Home where she celebrated her special day with family and friends.   She was visited by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP who read out a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.   Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartosnhire Council, presented her with a bouquet of flowers from the Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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06 NOVEMBER 2018

HM Lord-Lieutenant, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, attended the Annual Review of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire held in Clydebank Town Hall on Tuesday 6 November 2018.  He was warmly welcomed by the Chairman, County President Mrs Morag Hart MBE JP DL, who invited him to present Baden-Powell Certificates, Chief Guide Certificates, Young Leader Qualifications and a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

In his address to the audience of 300, comprising Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, the Deputy Scottish Chief Commissioner, members of other organisations, families and members of Girlguiding, he said :-

“I congratulate the girls on their well-deserved achievements and wish them well in the future.  I am impressed that each girl looked me in the eye when receiving her award and thanked me for the presentation. Their politeness was very noticeable and is a great credit to Girlguiding Dunbartonshire. I always enjoy attending your Annual Review to hear about the interesting activities that the girls have been involved in and I look forward to seeing you all again.”

(See photo in left hand column)

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18 OCTOBER 2018

100th Birthday

Congratulations are extended to Lily Lowe from Cumbernauld who is celebrating her 100th Birthday today.

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DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Lily & Jim Keegan from Bearsden who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.   Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan presented the couple with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, conveyed the best wishes of the Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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ANNUAL LIEUTENANCY DINNER

On Friday 05 October members of the Lieutenancy and their partners met together at the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow for their Annual Dinner.   Deputy Lieutenant Frank Dunn gave a brief history of the College followed by a tour of the various rooms.   Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE thanked the chefs and waiting staff for the wonderful meal that everyone had enjoyed and then presented Deputy Lieutenant Eric Thomson MBE with a commemorative Scroll and  Quaich to mark his move to the non-active list of the Lieutenancy.

(See photo in left hand column)

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BEM PRESENTATIONS

At a ceremony hosted by Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, in Clydebank Town Hall on Friday 28 September 2018, Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE presented 5 local residents with the British Empire Medal awarded by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours List 2018.

(See photo in column on the left - more details and photos click HERE)

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30 SEPTEMBER 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Mary & Alex Campbell from Duntocher who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.   The couple celebrated with family & friends in the Duntocher Village Hall last night and are looking forward to receiving a celebratory greeting from Her Majesty The Queen.

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23 SEPTEMBER 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Isabella & Robert Ward from Dumbarton who are  celebrating their Diamond Wedding anniversary today.   The couple were visited by Deputy Lieutenant Tom Finnigan who read out a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen, and Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan who presented the couple with gifts from West Dunbartonshire Council.   The couple have 2 children, 5 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Isabel was the youngest of 8 children and worked in the Dumbarton Cottage Hospital as a nurse. She retired from work as an instructor with the Adult Training Centre in Bruce Street.  Robert spent all of his working life in local government and was the Assistant Director of Admin and Legal at West Dunbartonshire Council based at the Headquarters in Garshake before he retired. 

(See photo in left hand column)

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20 SEPTEMBER 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost William Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council and Acting Registrar Lynne Bolton, 4 local residents were sworn in as  British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Linda Sharon Mary Kerr from Canada

Ari Kamal Ahmed from Iraq

Rajni Hans from India

Sandra Gay Teer from Zimbabwe

(See photo in left hand column)

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CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony on 19 September 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Ellen Gibson,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 9 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Parwinder Kaur from India

Rajesh Mallik Gottipati from India

Anila Patibandla from India

Chaitra Sai Gottipati from United Kingdom

Tina Susanne Muller from Germany

Angela Wood from Malta

Sunitsa Currie from Thailand

Maricar Cinco Aspiras from Philipines

Bahaa Mohammed Hasan Wadi Al-Bubseeree from Iraq

(See photo in left hand column)

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06 SEPTEMBER 2018

The Princess Royal visited Rhu today to attend the “Blind Sailing World Championships” being run by the Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club.

She was met by the Lord Lieutenant, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, who introduced her to Mr David Whitham, Commodore, RNCYC.   She boarded the Commodore’s yacht, Evoline, and they sailed out into the firth to watch a couple of races.   On returning to the marina at Rhu, she was introduced to all the competitors as well as officials (Umpires, Event organisers, Committee members, RYA officers, Sponsors etc) and Marina staff members (to whom she presented a Gold Anchor Award) and she also received some small Marina gifts from 11 year old Grace Oliver.

(See photo in left hand column)

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.  03 SEPTEMBER 2018

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

West Dunbartonshire Council, in common with Local Authorities throughout the United Kingdom, raised the Red Ensign at the Council Offices, Church Street, Dumbarton on Monday 03 September 2018 at 10.00 to mark Merchant Navy Day.   Merchant Navy Day is the United Kingdom's opportunity to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage, and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchany Navy.   Provost William Hendrie was joined by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE, Chief Executive Joyce White OBE,  Councillors and Officers, together with Lieutenant Commander George Troup BEM and Officers of the Sea Cadets from Clydebank who formed a Guard of Honour.  Provost Hendrie welcomed all present and paid tribute to all those past and present who have served in the Merchant Navy.  A message from HRH The Duke of Wessex was read out.   The Ensign was then raised by Provost Hendrie.

          (See photo in left hand column)

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10 AUGUST 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council and Acting Registrar Lynne Bolton, 3 local residents were sworn in as  British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Frederica Parisi born in Italy

Paul Flanagan born in Glasgow; &

Carolyn McLean born in the USA

(See photo in left hand column)

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100th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Janet Bain residing in Crosslet House Care Home in Dumbarton, who has celebrated her 100th birthday.   Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson was on hand to read a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, presented her with flowers and a congratulatory card from the Council.

Janet was born in Lambhill where she went to school. On leaving school, she worked in various retail jobs before working as manager in Duntocher service station.

Janet was an active member of St David’s Church in Knightswood being president of the Church Guild and was responsible of the accounts.

She worked with the WRVS at Gartnavel Hospital as manageress of the shop. In between times Janet transferred cars from England to Scotland covering most of the country.

Janet married William and when her two girls Margaret and Janet were little they moved to Knightswood where Janet remained until moving to Dumbarton to live with daughter Margaret, grandson Barry, and his wife Elaine.  Daughter Janet lives in America with her family.

Janet enjoys reading and knitting.

(See photo in left hand column)

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ROYAL GARDEN PARTY

Over three hundred people from the Dunbartonshire Lieutenancy area were nominated by the Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Mike Gregory OBE to attend this year's Royal Graden Party hosted by Her Majesty The Queen in the grounds of Holyrood Palace.  It was a lovely dry summer's day for the event this year with a bit of cloud cover that was a welcome relief at times from the heat of the sun.   The gathered guests from all over Scotland were able to watch Her Majesty, the Duke of York and the Earl of Wessex as they walked through the grounds of the palace, stopping to speak with guests selected at random from out of those present.   This year the Lord Lieutenant was on duty in his role as a Captain in the Royal Company of Archers who perform the role of Her Majesty's Bodyguard in Scotland at ceremonial events.   In other years he has been on duty to assist in the selection of the guests to be presened to members of the royal family.   Guests are nominated with their partners recognising the good works that they have performed in the community.

(See photo in left hand column)

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CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony on 27 June 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 7 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Mr Ionut Tudoreanu

Mrs Flavia Tudoreanu

Mr Mahdi Khosrobiek

Ms Monireh Takavar

Yalda Khosrobiek

Mr Chaoxin Zhou, and

Ms Hua Guo.

At a previous ceremony on 16 May 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 9 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Areej Saleh A Aldawish

Josephine Ajiehiegbe Macleod

Shalini Mehta

Chitti Krishnam Raju Thotakura          

Peter Joseph Wightman

Ying Li

Magdalena Eliza Prazmowska

Erkan Oterkus

Ewa Katarzyna Dabczak-Piatkowska

(See photo in left hand column)

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Lennox and Argyll Battalion The Boys’ Brigade

Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young was delighted to represent the Lord Lieutenant at the Annual Certificates and Awards Presentation on 6^th June 2018. She inspected the Battalion and presented a range of certificates covering Gold Award, President's Award, Duke of Edinburgh Award and The Queen's Badge, some of the highest attainable by a member of the Boys’ Brigade.

All of the Company section and Junior section boys had worked extremely hard within their local community in a responsible and confident manner to achieve personal goals. They were encouraged to continue all this good work, dedication and importantly the values of the Boys’ Brigade ‘Sure and Steadfast’.

(See photo in left hand column)

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Diamond Wedding

Congratulations are extended to Violet & George Close from Clydebank who celebrated their Diamond Wedding on the 16^th June at the Golden Jubilee Hotel.  Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young was delighted to join Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, to congratulate Mr and Mrs Close on this special Wedding Anniversary.

Violet and George married on 7^th June 1958 in Ross Memorial Church in Dalmuir.  They have had a very busy life and love to travel and they are so proud of their two sons Brian and Alan and their families who were at the celebration.  Jill Young DL presented the couple with a special Diamond Wedding Anniversary card from Her Majesty The Queen and read out the personal message to Violet & George. Provost Hendrie gave an excellent speech and presented the couple with gifts from the Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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HMT Lancastria Memorial Service

The Annual Memorial took place on 17^th June 2018 at The Golden Jubilee Foundation which hosted the event. The salute was taken by Deputy Lieutenant Commander James Leatherby RN (Rtrd) and the Lord Lieutenant was represented by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE

Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young, also Chief Executive of The Golden Jubilee Foundation, said ‘it is an absolute privilege to host the Lancastria Association of Scotland’s Annual Remembrance event in the grounds of the Golden Jubilee National Hospital.  We are also honoured to look after the official HMT Lancastria Memorial on the site; knowing people can continue to pay their respects to the individuals, families, friends and loved ones.

What is more, we are proud that our pioneering hospital was built on the grounds of an innovating Clydebank organisation – the former Beardmore and Son’s Shipbuilding Yard where HMT Lancastria was built – and this also ties us, not only to the magnificent vessel, but to the industrious history of this great community in the County of Dunbartonshire.

Before that fateful day of 17 June, 1940 off the coast of St Nazaire, France, the ship and its crew helped evacuate troops from Norway and we should take time to remember its sterling service in World War Two, as well as the thousands of brave souls who perished during Operation Ariel.

We are again humbled to welcome the Lancastria Association of Scotland to the Golden Jubilee Foundation and continue to offer our unwavering support to them in the many years ahead.’

(See photo in left hand column)

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25 June 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Ann & Alexander Little of Linnvale in Clydebank who celebrated 60 years of marriage today. The happy couple received a  visit from Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Provost Willie Hendry of West Dunbartonshire Council.   Deputy Sayers read a  congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and, on behalf of the Council, Provost Hendrie presented Ann with a bouquest of flowers and Alexander with a bottle of West Dunbartonshire whisky.

(See photo in left hand column)

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BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2018

HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2018 recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people from across the UK and congratulations are  extended to the following who live or work in Dunbartonshire:

Knights Bachelor

Knighthoods

 Professor James Hough, OBE FRS FRSE

Associate Director, Institute for Gravitational Research, University of Glasgow for services to the Detection of Gravitational Waves.

Order of the British Empire

Officer of the Order of the British Empire

OBE

Professor Carol Elizabeth Tannahill

Director, Glasgow Centre for Population Health and Chief Social Policy Adviser, Scottish Government. For Services to Public Health

Member of the Order of the British Empire

MBE

Dr Alasdair Buchanan Gillies

Trustee, Scottish Showbusiness Benevolent Fund and Gaelic Language Promotion Trust.  For services to Music, the Gaelic Language and charity

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire

BEM

Allan Hamilton Stewart

Founder, Team Chivas.  For charitable service

Mrs Diana Clark MacIntosh

Chair, Save the Children, Helensburgh.  For services to charity

Mrs Frances Kilgour McFarlane Jones

Founder and Lately Organiser, Coeliac Group Glasgow.  For services to People with Coeliac Disease 

Mrs Sheenah Nelson

For services to Macmillan Cancer Relief and Heart charities in West Dunbartonshire and Lomond

Kenneth McChlery

Admin Assistant, Border Force, Glasgow. For public service and to the community in Glasgow

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15 June 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Deputy Registrar Lynne Bolton and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, a local resident was sworn in as a British Citizen.   Congratulations are extended to:

Rodin Fabricio Gonzaga Espinoza from Pasaje, Ecuador

In a first for our Lieutenancy the whole Ceremony was streamed by live video to Ecuador so that Mr Espinoza's father could be 'present'.

(See photo in left hand column)

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06 June 2018

JOYCE WHITE OBE

Our Lieutenancy Clerk, Joyce White OBE, went to Buckingham Palace today for her formal Investiture into the Most Honourable Order of the British Empire.   Joyce was presented with the OBE Medal by His Royal Highness The Prince Charles.

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25 May 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson,  Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 3 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mrs Bozena Czarnik-Wojtyczka from Poland, and her son & daughter, Bartosz and Gabriela

(See photo in left hand column)

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19 May 2018

The Earl & Countess of Dumbarton

The Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire sends warmest congratulations to His Royal Highness The Prince Harry on his wedding to Ms Meghan Markle.  Buckingham Palace announced that the couple will be known as the Duke & Duchess of Sussex, Earl & Countess of Dumbarton and Baron & Baroness Kilkeel.

Prince Harry has been made the third Earl of Dumbarton - a title that has strong military connections.  The title was first created in the Peerage of Scotland on 9 March 1675.  The first to hold the title was George Douglas, a younger son of the first Marquess of Douglas, who was created Earl of Dumbarton in 1675.  A Scottish nobleman and soldier, George was given the title by Charles II in recognition of his military service.

When James VII of Scots (James II of England) came to the throne in 1685, the earl was made military commander in Scotland, and it is thought that when the King was deposed, George accompanied him to his court in exile in France. On George's death at St German-en-Laye in France, the title passed to his son, also called George, who became the second Earl of Dumbarton.

The title became extinct when the second earl died in 1749, meaning it has not been used in more than 260 years.  The title has been recreated in the Peerage of the United Kingdom by Her Majesty The Queen Elizabeth II as a substantive title for her grandson Prince Harry on the occasion of his wedding.   It means that Prince Harry becomes the third to hold the Scottish title.

The Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE expressed his delight at the new title and looks forward to welcoming the royal couple to the County at some future date.

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Two ladies from Helensburgh were nominated by the Lord Lieutenant to attend today's wedding of His Royal Highness The Prince Harry to Ms Meghan Markle in St. George's Chapel in the grounds of Windsor Castle.   Mrs Christine Johnston was nominated for her voluntary work with SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity in the Helensburgh and Garelochhead Division.   Christine was also for many years involved with Scouting in Dunbartonshire, and is also a member of the local Military Wives Choir.   Christine is taking with her as her guest Mrs Jean Riddington also from Helensburgh.   Miss Veronica 'Ronnie' Bell from Helensburgh who is the Divisional Treasurer for SSAFA in Clydebank and Dumbarton also received an invitation but was unfortunately unable to attend.  Ronnie is also well known for her work with young people in the Sea Cadets training them in seamanship and other sailing skills; she is also a former member of the WRNS.   Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE said that he was pleased to nominate both women for their outstanding contribution to young people and to assisting serving and ex-service personnel and their families.

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23 April 2018

The Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire sends warmest congratulations to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge on the birth of a baby boy; a brother to George and Charlotte.

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21 April 2018

The Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire sends warmest congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen who is celebrating Her 92nd birthday today.   This evening She will attend a concert in Her Honour at The Royal Albert Hall.

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12 April 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Helen & Joseph McErlane of Kirkintilloch who are celebrating 60 years of marriage today.   The happy couple received a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

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04 April 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 10 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Siyi Chen from China

Mrs Dennitsa Todorova Rizova from Bulgaria

Mrs Verlaine McKay from South Africa

Mr Harwinder Singh Lidder from India

Ms Narjes Khatoon Mehdizadeh from Iran

Mr Saiful Amin from Bangladesh

Mrs Shamima Yasmin from Bangladesh

Sahil Amin from Bangladesh

Mr Selvaraj Rajendran from India

Ms Indhira Mani from India

At a previous ceremony on 21 February 2018 in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Anne O'Hagan,  Provost Alan Brown, East Dunbartonshire Council, and Registrar Andrea Gourlay, 8 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Stefan Donevski from Macedonia

Robert Govaerts from Belgium

Karina Molnar from Hungary

Ana Filomena D'Silva Pinheiro from India

Alicia Blanche Pinheiro from India

Craig Michael Pinheiro from India

Carl Jessel Pinheiro from India

Cajetan Piedade Ephrem Pinheiro from India

(See photo in left hand column)

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03 April 2018

BEM PRESENTATION - KIRKINTILLOCH

At a ceremony in Kirkintilloch today, Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE presented Ms Patsy Morrison BEM with the Medal of the Order.   The Honour was conferred upon her by Her Majesty The Queen in the New Year's Honours List for Services to Comedy, People with Long- Term Health Problems, and Charity.   Patsy is the Founder and Managing Director of Universal Comedy established in 2004 as a means of helping others.   Despite declining health Patsy continues to manage and raise all of the funds for the company with the support of a volunteer Board. The charity has supported nearly 3,000 people in Glasgow through their comedy clinics and performances.

(See photo in left hand column)

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29th March 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING - HELENSBURGH

Congratulations are extended to Phyllis & Frank Ross of Helensburgh who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP presented the couple with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.  The happy couple and their family are marking the day with a family lunch in the Sugar Boat Restaurant, Helensburgh, ahead of a party for family and friends on Saturday evening in the Commodore Hotel.

(See photo in left hand column)

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23rd March 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Taher Mahmud Mohamed Saleh, and his wife Asma Ramadan A Al Treish from Libya

Also present were their three daughters Raged, Hedaya & Heba

(See photo in left hand column)

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16th March 2018

DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Betty & Bill McLellan of Hardgate, Clydebank, who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP DL presented the couple with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen, and Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, presented Betty with a bouquet of flowers and Bill with a bottle of West Dunbartonshire whisky.   The happy couple and their four children are marking the day with a family dinner.

(See photo in left hand column)

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12th March 2018

COMMONWEALTH FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE today joined with Provost Willie Hendrie,  elected members and officers of West Dunbartonshire Council, in common with Councils throughout the United Kingdom, to raise the Commonwealth Flag in commemoration of Commonwealth Day.   The Lord Lieutenant read a message from the Secretary General and Provost Hendrie spoke of the values of the British Commonwealth.  All present then joined together to read out the Pledge to the Commonwealth.

(See photo in left hand column)

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10th March 2018

CLYDEBANK BLITZ COMMEMORATION SERVICE

Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant, today joined with the local community in Clydebank to commemorate those who lost their life on the nights of 13th & 14th March 1941 in the Clydebank Blitz.   Together with local dignitaries and members of the Clydebank and Polish community he laid wreaths at the memorials in Dalnottar Cemetery and at the Polish memorial in Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank.

(See photo in left hand column)

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23rd FEBRUARY 2018

Provost Jean Jones, North Lanarkshire Council, hosted a lunch yesterday, 22^nd February 2018, to celebrate the recipients of awards in the New Year’s Honours list.  At the lunch were Mrs Veronica McDonald BEM and her husband Gerry, Mrs Karen Morrison MBE with her son Philip, and Mr Balwant Singh Chada MBE.

The lunch was attended by Lady Susan Haughey CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire and Miss Gill Aitkenhead MBE DL, Vice Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire.

Also present were Mr Jim Logue, Leader of the Council and Mr Robert Steenson, Assistant Chief Executive (Infrasrtucture).

Mrs McDonald received her BEM for Services to Adults with Special Needs.

Mrs Morrison received her MBE for Services to the Children’s Hearing System.

Mr Balwant Singh Chada received his MBE for Services to Local Government and Community Cohesion.

(See photos in left hand column)

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21st FEBRUARY 2018

Deputy Lieutenant Eric Thompson MBE RN(rtd) was recently the inspecting officer at the Dunbartonshire Battallion The Boys' Brigade Annual Review.  He is pictured opposite presenting The Queen’s Badge to Colour Sergeant Ryan Mochar and Sergeant Lewis McKechnie.

(See photo in left hand column)

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15th FEBRUARY 2018

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Tania Jayne Guy, born in Auckland New Zealand

Marek Jan Kozak, born in Jaslo Poland

(See photo in left hand column)

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10th FEBRUARY 2018

Congratulations are extended to Jean & Andrew Jarvis from Balloch who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.

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30th JANUARY 2018

Congratulations are extended to Magaret & Joe McCabe from Harestanes who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.

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26th JANUARY 2018

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2018

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE, Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE and Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP joined West Dunbartonshire Provost Willie Hendrie, Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan, Martin Docherty MP, Jackie Baillie MSP, Nicola Livingston, Co-President, the Glasgow Jewish Representative Council and West Dunbartonshire Councillors together with pupils of Dumbarton Academy  at the Council Headquarters in Garshake Road, Dumbarton. They all heard a prayer, a poem and a reading from the life of Anne Frank to remember all those whose life was ended or affected by the Holocaust.   All present congratulated the pupils for the clarity and effectiveness of their readings; they were a credit to their school.

(See photo in left hand column)

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21 January 2018

Garfield Weston Foundation Anniversary Fund

The Lord Lieutenant would like to pass on to voluntary organisations information that has come to his attention about a Community Grant Project Opportunity from the Garfield Weston Foundation which has set up a one off £5million  Pound Fund to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Foundation.   The fund is to support Capital projects to provide new or improved facilities for local communities across the UK.  The Fund will close for applications on 30^th June 2018 but wishes to give charities plenty of notice so they have a chance to develop their plans.  Grants must be spent and projects completed by 31^st December 2020.  The fund could potentially help voluntary groups that have been nominated for The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) but is open to all UK registered charities, places of worship and state schools only.   Grants range from £30,000 - £150,000 and there is a simple on-line application process.  Full details of the Weston Anniversary Fund Application Guidelines can be found at https://anniversary.garfieldweston.org

In due course the Lord Lieutenant would be delighted to hear of any successful applications within Dunbartonshire.

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10 January 2018 

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Allan Brown and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 6 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Mr Assen Assenov Rizov from Bulgaria

Mr Antero Corpuz Bernabe from Philippines

Mr Pablo Ramiro Murcia from Argentina

Ms Mariana Varela from Argentina

Mr Mahavir Singh Dhillon from India

Ms Anja Kuschmann from Germany

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    02 January 2018

Many congratulations to Harry & Kathryn Fotheringham who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today.   Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE presented the couple with a congratulatory message from Her Majesty The Queen.

(See photo in left hand column)

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01 January 2018

New Year's Honours' List

Congratulations are extended to the following citizens of Dunbartonshire who have been Honoured by Her Majesty The Queen:

CBE

James Brown Martin   -   Lately Scottish Public Services Ombudsman.   For services to the Scottish Public Sector -

from Kirkintilloch

Joanne Kate Swinson   -   For political and public service -

from Bearsden

MBE

Balwant Singh Chadha   -   For services to Local Government and Community Cohesion in the West of Scotland -

from Cumbernauld

Karen Vivienne Morrison   -   For services to the Children’s Hearings system and the community in North Lanarkshire -

from Cumbernauld

Leslie Roy   -   For services to Athletics in Scotland -

from Bearsden

Rosamund Blair   -   County Vice-President, Girlguiding Dunbartonshire, and Instructor, Riding for the Disabled  -

from Milngavie

Susan Kennedy   -   National Co-Ordinator, General Practice Nursing in NHS Education Scotland -

from Kirkintilloch

BEM

Patricia Morrison   -   Founder and Managing Director, Universal Comedy.  For services to Comedy, People with Long-Term Health Conditions and charity -

from Milngavie

Congratulations are also extended to our Lieutenancy Clerk, Mrs Joyce White, Chief Executive West Dunbartonshire Council, from Ayrshire, who was awarded the OBE for Services to Local Government, Further Education and the Guide Movement.

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26 December 2017

60 years ago today in 1957 Brian (Bernard) & Maryann McKeown were married in St Kessogs Church Balloch.   Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson joined the happy couple to help celebrate their Diamond Wedding in Stables restaurant.   They have 8 children, 19 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.  Brian worked in construction and Maryann in nursing.

(See photo in left hand column)

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19 December 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - ARGYLL & BUTE AT HELENSBURGH

At a ceremony today in Helensburgh attended by Deputy Lieutenant Andrew Nicholson and  Councillor Richard Trail, Argyll & Bute Council,  2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Baljit Kaur and Izabela Zuk

(See photos in left hand column)

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08 December 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Baillie Denis Agnew, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Senior Registrar Lynn Houston, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Sandra Danda from Zimbabwe

Mr Juan Andre Grove from South Africa

Hadisa Khogyani from Afghanistan

Ms Jennifer Lienig from Switzerland

Ms Pritee Puran from Mauritius

(See photo in left hand column)

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04 December 2017

HRH The Princess Royal had a busy schedule when she visited Cumbernauld on 28th November.

Her first stop was the Cumbernauld and Kilsyth Citizens’ Advice Bureau as Patron of Citizen’s Advice Scotland, to help celebrate their 50th Anniversary and to present long service awards to two of the stalwarts of the bureau, Mrs Elspeth Wilson and Mr Ian Eadie. HRH then unveiled a plaque marking the official opening of their new premises on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Cumbernauld Branch. HRH then cut the 50th Anniversary cake and wished all present every success for the next 50 years

HRH then visited The Muirfield Centre, Cumbernauld, to officially open the new community hub. She met representatives from Women's Aid, The Unemployed Workers' Centre, Alpha Group, The Hope Garden and local Craft Groups before delighting the youngsters with a visit to Cumbernaud & Kilsyth Workplace Nursery. HRH ended her visit in the main hall where she met representatives from various clubs and organisations in the town before unveiling a commemorative plaque. She wished each group present a most successful year to come.

(See photo in left hand column and more HERE)

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'FIELD OF DREAMS’ CENTRE FOR SCOTLAND’S DEAFBLIND COMMUNITY

Updated - Video Link HERE

HRH The Princess Royal officially opened the new headquarters of DEAFBLIND SCOTLAND’s Field of Dreams at Kirkintilloch on Thursday 19^th October 2017.

Deafblind Scotland focuses on working with adults, living in the community, who have a severe loss of both sight and hearing.  They have over 800 members throughout Scotland.

Also performing for the Princess at the Field of Dreams were SINGaLOUD, a group of local people who get together to sing together without having to audition, be able to read music or have any previous singing experience. SINGaLOUD was founded by professional musician and singing leader, Bryan Marshall.

It was a very happy occasion which will be remembered by all for a very long time.

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29 November 2017

At a ceremony today in Kilmardinny House, Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Garry Pews  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 9 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.

Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Cheng Min from China

Mr Andrej Malkov from the Russian Federation

Mrs Dale Malkova from Lithuania

Mr Muhammad Aaqib Chaudhry from Pakistan

Mrs Sameen Aaqib from Pakistan

Ms Saveena Singh from India

Mr John Bradley Hiles from Australia

Ms Linda Chinhengo from Zimbabwe

Mr Mian Osama from Pakistan

(See photo in left hand column)

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27 November 2017

Congratulations are extended to HRH The Prince Harry and Ms Meghan Markle on the announcement from Clarence House today of their engagement to marry in the Spring of 2018

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24 November 2017

The Caledonian Awards Annual Presentation was held today.

Deputy Lieutenant Mrs Morag Hart MBE JP  presented Awards to pupils from Campsie View School Lenzie, and Parkhill Secondary School Glasgow.

The Caledonian Award Scheme, based in Bearsden, provides an opportunity for young people & adults with learning disabilities & support needs to participate in an achievement programme which will help them reach their full potential while increasing their independence & community involvement.

The Caledonian Family of Awards are the only National Achievement Awards available to young people with severe, profound or complex learning disabilities and those with moderate learning difficulties compounded by social, emotional & behavioural difficulties.

Mrs Hart said "I congratulate all the young people who have achieved Caledonian Awards.  I was very moved by the sense of delight and excitement shown by each of them on being presented with their certificates this morning, and I was very aware of the obvious pride shown by their families, carers and teachers who attended this important presentation".

3 staff from Tesco, Milngavie, came to the presentation and very kindly gave an assortment Box to each of the young people who attended.

(See photos in left hand column)

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20 November 2017

On 20 November 1947 in Westminster Abbey the wedding took place of Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and today they celebrate 70 years of marriage together; a Platinum Wedding Anniversary.   It marks the longest royal marriage in history and the longest marriage of any reigning Monarch.

We send our warmest best wishes to Her Majesty and to His Royal Highness.

(See photos in left hand column)

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14 November 2017

SCOTTISH SUBMARINE CENTRE - HELENSBURGH

On Saturday 11 November 2017 Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE officially opened the new Scottish Submarine Centre at 1 West King Street, Helensburgh.   The centre has been built by a team of dedicated volunteers led by Brian Keating and houses as it's centrepiece the midget submarine HMS Stickleback which coincidentally was launched by the Lord Lieutenant's mother in 1955.   In his remarks when opening the centre he explained the importance of heritage and remembrance, for both young and old, with the emphasis on the history of warship and submarine building on the Clyde and the submarine bases, initially at Rothesay, then followed by Faslane; also, the history of submarine training in the North West Approaches.  All of this has been wrapped up in the significance of this staggeringly ambitious project to bring it to life digitally and to engage all ages with world beating technology.   He concluded that 'it is an amazing endeavour.'

(See photo in left hand column - full story and pictures click HERE)

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12 November 2017

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE and his Deputies today joined with communities throughout Dunbartonshire to remember and to pay tribute to the sacrifice of those who gave their lives in conflcts from the two World Wars until present times; and also to those who returned home with mental and physical disabilities.

For our tomorrow they gave their today.

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09 November 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  Provost Willie Hendrie, West Dunbartonshire Council, and Assistant Registrar Lynne Bolton, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mahvish Bano from Pakistan

Hazim Muhammed Abdulrazzaq Al-Haideri from Iraq

Marta Czajkowska from Poland

Urszula Olga Sroczynska from Poland

(See photo in left hand column)

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07 November 2017

Annual Review of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire 

The Review was held on Tuesday 7 November 2017 and HM Lord-Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE was welcomed to the Annual Review by the President of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire, Mrs Morag Hart MBE JP DL, and invited to present girls with Baden-Powell Challenge Certificates, Young Leader Qualifications, Commonwealth Awards and Chief Guide Challenge Certificates.  The girls were delighted to receive these Awards from the Lord-Lieutenant and, in his speech, he praised the achievements of the girls and said how much he commended all the volunteers who give so much time to Girlguiding so that girls can enjoy activities that helps them to explore new experiences, accept challenges and rise to new responsibilities that gives them opportunities to grow into outstanding citizens of the future.  He said how much he always looked forward to the Annual Review and gave his congratulations and best wishes to all members of Girlguiding Dunbartonshire for the future. 

Also attending the Review was the Provost of East Dunbartonshire Councillor Alan Brown, and the Deputy Scottish Chief Commissioner Mrs Carol Morwood.

(See photo in left hand column)

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06 November 2017

Congratulations are extended to Elizabeth 'Betty' Mearns residing in Carrickstone Care Home, Cumbernauld, who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Deputy Lieutenant Anne Walker was on hand to deliver and read a celebratory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

(See photo in left hand column)

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04 November 2017

Congratulations are extended to Betty and Alistair Thomson from Alexandria who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today.   Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson visited them in Balquhidder House, Alexandria, where Alistair lives and read a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.   Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan of West Dunbartonshire Council also presented the couple with a card and gifts from the Council.   

Alistair is originally from Mull and moved to the area aged 5. He and Betty met in 1955 when she lived in the old Balloch Railway Station 

They have one daughter, Karen, and 3 grandchildren. Both enjoyed the social events at Vale of Leven Bowling club where Alistair is an Honorary Member and where they enjoyed the dancing; and were particularly good at the foxtrot and waltz.

(See photo in left hand column)

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27 October 2017

Congratulations are extended to William 'Bill' Anderson residing in the Edinbarnet Nursing Home in Clydebank.   

Bill was born in Clydebank, attending Whitecrook Primary School and then Clydebank High School. He became an apprentice engineer with Drysdales on leaving school, continuing there till the late 70’s when he joined Weirs Pumps where he stayed until his retiral.

Bill is widowed with 2 daughters Margaret from Clydebank and Catherine from Stoke.  He has 5 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.   He has impaired vision and hearing but enjoys a chat about old times.

Bill celebrated with a family party at the home.  A celebratory telegram from HM The Queen was read by Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson and Provost Willie Hendrie presented a card and gifts from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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Updated - Video

20 October 2017

'FIELD OF DREAMS’ CENTRE FOR SCOTLAND’S DEAFBLIND COMMUNITY

HRH The Princess Royal yesterday opened Deafblind Scotland’s Learning and Development Centre ‘Field of Dreams’ in Lenzie, East Dunbartonshire.

(See photo in left hand column - full story, video and more photos click HERE)

16 October 2017

THE  NHS GOLDEN JUBILEE FOUNDATION

At a recent reception in the Imperial War Museum hosted by His Royal Highness The Prince Harry, the Chief Executive of The Golden Jubilee Foundation, Jill Young DL, was presented with the Gold Award of the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme; its highest award.

Since the NHS Golden Jubilee National Hospital was created in 2002 it has been committed to proactively supporting the Armed Forces. It was recognised with the Silver Supportive Employer Award in 2013 and its commitment has continued with the signing of the Ministry of Defence Armed Forces Covenant in 2016.

For 14 years it has supported both clinical and non-clinical reservist staff, veterans, and cadets through a number of innovations:

• It has a ‘Fast track access to treatment’ policy for any members of the Armed Forces
• It is currently developing a ‘Guaranteed Interview’ policy with offer of personal support and feedback if needed
• Golden Jubilee Reserved Forces Training and Mobilisation Policy applies to all
• It has produced two videos for the Golden Jubilee YouTube channel to support Armed Forces day 25 June 2016
• It communicates extensively the value of supporting reservists through its weekly eNewsletter, intranet and staff magazines. In addition it communicates to the wider NHS and public through press releases, 2500 Twitter and 3500 Facebook followers.
• It has planned and hosted within the Golden Jubilee Foundation, Armed Forces recruitment days actively supported by 7SCOTS, 205 Field Hospital, 71 Engineers, and 225 Medics.
• It offers a healthy discount on all of its facilities within the Golden Jubilee 4* Hotel for both business and leisure.
• It regularly runs open days and work experience programmes and visits
• It is home to HMT Lancastria memorial and it hosts the annual memorial service with strong links to the Lancastria Foundation and a display of memorabilia inside the reception of the hospital.
• It had a royal opening of its Heart and Lung Centre by Her Majesty The Queen and HRH Prince Philip in 2008
• The Innovation Centre was opened by HRH Prince Charles, Duke of Rothesay
• The Queen’s baton relay ran through the hospital as part of the Commonwealth Games
• Its senior team completed the Reservists ‘Executive Stretch’ programme, and visited a Field Hospital in operation

Deputy Lieutenant Jill Young, Chief Executive of the Golden Jubilee Foundation said ‘We are committed to high quality care, continuous improvement and an excellent workforce and we will do this through expanding our strategic partnership with the Armed Forces.  We take every opportunity to share how we do this with as many of our NHS partners and other stakeholders and businesses as possible, that the value of supporting the Armed Forces brings incredible commitment, extensive skills, team working and leadership qualities that is hard to achieve elsewhere.’

Lord Lieutenant Michael Gregory congratulated the Foundation on its continued success and warmly welcomed its commitment to the Armed Forces.

(See photo in left hand column)

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14 October 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mrs. Chrissie Mitchell who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Chrissie, who is resident in Crosslet House, Dumbarton, celebrated her special day with all her family and friends some of whom had travelled from down south to be with her.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP read out a congratulatory card from HM The Queen, and Provost William Hendrie presented her with a bouquet of flowers and a card from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See photo in left hand column)

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13 October 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  and Registrar Lynn Houston, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Prince Kevin Junior Edwards from Guyana.

Shafaq Usman Qazi from Pakistan

(See photo in left hand column)

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26 September 2017

QAVS 2017 PRESENTATION

At a ceremony hosted by West Dunbartonshire Council in Clydebank Town Hall last night Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral  Mike Gregory OBE, presented the St. Peter the Apostle School Soup Kitchen Volunteers Group with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service 2017.   Provost William Hendrie praised the members of the Group present for their work in two homeless people's hostels in Glasgow.  The Lord Lieutenant congratulated them on receiving such a prestigious Award which is the equivalent of an MBE.  The Saint Peter the Apostle Soup Kitchen Volunteers Group has the aim of serving people who are homeless in the Greater Glasgow Area who use the ‘common lodging houses’ based in the euphemistically called Belgrove Hotel, and a Salvation Army Shelter close to the Barrowlands area of Glasgow.   The occupants of these premises are diverse and are made up of the indigenous population together with European and Somalian migrants all of whom, for a wide variety of reasons, have found themselves homeless; most are vulnerable persons who have alcohol and drug dependencies as well as other health issues.  Some of the residents are regular users who have made use of the premises for many years and some are itinerant users.   This Group has grown out of a project started within the St. Peter the Apostle School in the Clydebank district of West Dunbartonshire.   All students from year 1 to year 6 are involved in the project although only those in years 5 and 6 go out every second Saturday night to help with the dispensing of soup, provided by the Saint Theresa Missionaries, and of chocolate, sweets, biscuits, clothing and toiletries that have been ingathered by all of the pupils of the school. The Group started out with one teacher being the facilitator for the project but as it has grown many of the teachers now assist with the Group. However, whilst the Group is facilitated by the teachers, the drawing up of rotas and the ingathering is all arranged by the pupils themselves.  There is a small committee of pupils who co-ordinate the work of the Group.  It has the full support of the Head Teacher and the local Education Authority and is now regarded as one of the core Groups that is set up at the start of each year as the older pupils move on.   The Group benefits with an influx of new helpers every year.  This Group, based within the Lieutenancy of Dunbartonshire, started out with the aim of helping others within the adjacent city, but in so doing both the teachers and the pupils have been surprised with what they themselves have derived from being part of the Group.  It has given them a social awareness of the plight of a section of society with whom they would not otherwise have come into contact.

(See photo in left hand column)

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24 September 2017

Dunbartonshire District Scouts

The Annual General Meeting of the Dunbartonshire District Scouts was held last night in the Denny Theatre, Dumbarton.   The Lieutenancy was represented by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE who presented a large number of long service awards to leaders from throughout the District.   He spoke to those present of the value of volunteering and the significant role that it plays in society.     However, the highlight of the evening was when Ross Docherty of the 6th Clydebank Scout Group was presented with the Chief Scout's Award for Meritorious Conduct by the Scottish Chief Commissioner Graham Haddock.  Graham said that this was a rare award as he had only presented a handful of them during his time as Scottish Chief Commissioner and it is awarded for meritorious conduct of an exceptionally high standard. Ross suffers multiple health issues but despite this, since he first started in Beavers, he has always attended his sections  with a smile on his face. Ross became a young leader at Cubs and is now a full adult leader in the Cub Section. Ross is a true inspiration to everyone and we congratulate him on his award.

(See Photo Opposite and more photos to follow)

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23 September 2017

VICTORIA CROSS PAVING STONE - UNVEILING CEREMONY - DUMBARTON

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Michael Gregory together with Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan of West Dunbartonshire Council, grandchildren of John Brown Hamilton VC and invited guests gathered at the War Memorial in Levengrove Park, Dumbarton, to unveil a Paving Stone laid in front of the War Memorial to comemorate the award of the Victoria Cross to Private (Acting Lance Corporal) John Brown Hamilton of the Highland Light Infantry 'For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty'

( See Photo Opposite - Full Story & more Photos Click HERE

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DIAMOND WEDDING

Congratulations are extended to Isobel & James Scullion of Alexandria who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.

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19 September 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Dumbarton attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP,  and Registrar Lynn Houston, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Elitsa Stoyanova from Bulgaria

Adetoun Folushade Paul-Okoh from Nigeria

Pavan Pandey from India

Nishtha Singh from India

(See Photo Opposite)

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15 September 2017

BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL PRESENTATION

At a ceremony hosted by West Dunbartonshire Council in the Town Hall at Clydebank, Lord Lieutenant Rear Adniral Mike Gregory OBE presented 3 Dunbartonshire residents with the British Empire Medal of the Order of the British Empire which was bestowed upon them by Her Majesty The Queen in the Birthday Honours' List 2016:

Ms Mary Haggarty – Secretary, Arrochar and Tarbert Community Council.  For services to the community in Arrochar, Tarbert and Ardlui.  She has been involved in local youth groups and organisations since 1961. Elected Community Councillor in 1990 and subsequently Chair and through all of her hard work it has become one of the strongest Community Councils in Argyll if not Scotland.  Very involved with the Clan Macfarlane worldwide. She was a Civil Servant initially with the Forestry Commission and latterly with the MOD ending 41 years of public service.

Mr Hugh Hutchinson – Captain, 1^st Vale of Leven Boy’s Brigade.  For services to the Boy’s Brigade and the community in the Vale of Leven.  He has been involved for over 55 years and is the longest serving Company Captain in the Battalion. At the West Dunbartonshire Provost’s Civic Awards he was voted the Community Voluntary Individual Champion for 2016 

Mrs Effie Walker – School Crossing patrol Warden at Colgrain Primary School.  For services to Education and the Community in Helensburgh.  She was the Lollipop Lady for 43 years and has seen several generations of Colgrain pupils safely across the road. Many now have children and grandchildren there and Effie takes good care of them all. She has recently had a new block of flats named WALKER COURT in her honour.

(See Photo Opposite and more photos click HERE)

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06 September 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Kirkintilloch attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 4 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Harjinder Singh from India

Jordan Matthew Brown from New Zealand

Xiao Hong Lin from China

Claudia Celine Garcia Alvarez from Mexico

 (See Photo Opposite)

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01 September 2017

MERCHANT NAVY DAY

West Dunbartonshire Council, in common with Local Authorities throughout the United Kingdom, raised the Red Ensign at the Council Offices, Garshake Road, on Friday 01 September 2016 at 10.00 to mark Merchant Navy Day.   Merchant Navy Day is the United Kingdom's opportunity to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage, and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchany Navy.   Provost William Hendrie was joined by Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE, Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE, Lieutenenacy Clerk Joyce White,  Lieutenancy Officer Stacy Walker, Leader of the Administration Councillor Jonathan McColl, Councillors and Officers, together with Lieutenant Commander George Troup BEM and Officers of the Sea Cadets from Clydebank who formed a Guard of Honour.  Provost Hendrie welcomed all present and paid tribute to all those past and present who have served in the Merchant Navy.  A message from HRH The Duke of Wessex was read out.   The Ensign was then raised by Provost Hendrie.

                  (See Photo Opposite)

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22 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Jeanie Allan of Old Kilpatrick who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.   Jeanie celebrated her birthday with a party in the Frank Downie Day Care Unit in Dalmuir where she was joined by her son Robert, family and friends. Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP delivered a message of congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Willie Hendrie presented her with a bouquet of flowers from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo Opposite)

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19 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Moira & Harvey Calderwood of Bishopbriggs who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.

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06 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mrs Agnes (Nancy) Bennett residing in Edinbarnet Nursing Home who is celebrating her 100th Birthday today.   Deputy Lieutenant Patricia Steel delivered a message of congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen.   Nancy celebrated her special day with a family party.

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04 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to Jean and John Kelso of Clydebank who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today with a reception in the Singer Bowling Club.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP delivered a message of congratulation from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Willie Hendrie presented gifts from West Dunbartonshire Council.

(See Photo Opposite)

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03 AUGUST 2017

Congratulations are extended to James & Bridie Smith of Kilsyth who are celebrating their Diamond Wedding today.

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02 AUGUST 2017

QUEEN'S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE  

CMS Window Systems in East Dunbartonshire has been formally recognised for its business success at the highest level by being awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development 2017.

At a special event which took place at the company’s Castlecary HQ near Glasgow, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE presented the prestigious award to Gerald McSkimming, Operations Director of CMS Window Systems.

This was awarded to CMS Window Systems in recognition of its achievements in terms of sustainable business development, and reflected its success in ensuring that environmental, social and economic sustainable practices underpin every aspect of the business.

Lord-Lieutenant Michael Gregory OBE said: “It’s been a great pleasure to come to CMS to present the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation today, to a company that has been a tremendous innovator not just in sustainability, but very effectively in providing youth employment. What they’ve done here is seriously impressive and, therefore, they thoroughly deserve their Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”

Gerald McSkimming, Operations Director at CMS Window Systems, said: “We’re delighted to receive this Queen’s Award for Enterprise today, which I’ve accepted on behalf of the whole team in recognition of their continued hard work.

In addition to environmental considerations, CMS Window Systems has a comprehensive strategy to achieve social and economic sustainability. The Living Wage employer holds the Investors in People Gold standard and Investors in Young People accreditation and has become renowned for creating regular employment opportunities for local young people through Modern Apprenticeships. The organisation plays an active role in improving the communities in which it operates through a range of charitable donations and practical support for local initiatives.

(See Photo Opposite)

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26 JULY 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 2 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Muqtadeer Ahmed Syed from India

Xiao Qin Chen from China who attended with her 3 children - Alvin Chi, Kevin Chi and Jing Yi Chi.

(Photo opposite)

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BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST 2017

HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours list 2017 recognises the achievements of a wide range of extraordinary people from across the UK and congratulations are  extended to the following who live or work in Dunbartonshire:

Knights Bachelor

Knighthoods

 Professor Vito Antonio Muscatelli, FRSE

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Glasgow for services to Economics and Higher Education.

Order of the British Empire

Members of the Order of the British Empire

MBE

Professor Leo Martin

Chairman, St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Clydebank for services to Healthcare and Education.

(Giffnock, Renfrewshire)

 NOTE - Professor Leo Martin is included because of his work in St Margaret of Scotland Hospice, Clydebank.

 Mrs Mary Elizabeth McNulty

Headteacher, St Roch’s Primary and Hearing Impaired Schoolf or services to Education and the Deaf community in Glasgow.

Order of the British Empire

Medallist of the Order of the British Empire

BEM

Ms Mary Ishbel Haggarty

Secretary, Arrochar and Tarbert Community Council for services to the community in Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui, Argyll.

Hugh Arthur Hutchinson

Captain, 1st Vale of Leven Boys’ Brigade for services to the Boys’ Brigade and the community in Vale of Leven. 

Mrs Effie Walker

School Crossing Patrol Warden, Colgrain Primary School for services to Education and the community in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute.

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22 JUNE 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers  MBE JP, Deputy Provost Karen Conaghan  and Registrar Lynn Houston , 3 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Raluca Urse, born in Constanta, Romania

Unchittha Menphuak, born in Samut Prakan, Thailand

Mary Wong, born in Calgary, Canada

(Photo opposite)

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07 JUNE 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Provost Alan Brown  and Registrar Christine Wilkie, 7 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Ms Katherine Shaiman from the USA;

Ms Hing Fung Tham from Malaysia;

Mrs Aamnah Waqar Cheema from Pakistan;

Mrs Patrycja Anna Bhardwaj from Poland;

Mrs Navdeep Rani Sharma from India;

Mrs Parvinder Kaur Roopra from India;

Mr Jiandong Xu from China

(Photo opposite)

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01 May 2017

CARDROSS HONOURS SOLDIER

A soldier has been honoured with the laying of a Victoria Cross Paving Stone in Cardross 100 years after the action for which his gallantry was recognised.

See Photo Opposite.   Full story click HERE

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BEM PRESENTATION CLYDEBANK 

At a ceremony today in Clydebank hosted by West Dunbartonshire Council the  Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, Rear Admiral Michael Gregory OBE, presented Medals of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire to :

Mr George Cochrane BEM; Miss Christine Johnston BEM; Mr Derek Norval BEM; and, Mrs Ann Glenesk BEM.

(See photo opposite and click HERE

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Clydebank attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP and Assistant Registrar Karen McLaughlin, a local resident was sworn in as a British Citizen.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mrs Sarita Khatri Karki

(See Photo Opposite)

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22 April 2017

Congratulations are extended to Jack & Betty Cawley of Kirkintilloch who celebrate their Diamond Wedding today.

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12th April 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE JP, Deputy Provost Mrs Anne Jarvis  and Assistant Registrar Christine Wilkie, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mr James Murray from the USA;

Ms Nidhi Sharma from India;

Mr Kimon Lemonidis from Greece;

Mrs Marie-Francoise Kerr from France; &

Mr Balbir Singh from India.

(See Photo Opposite)

20th March 2017

Congratulations are extended to Lucy & George Walker of Cumbernauld who celebrate their Diamond Wedding today.

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15th March 2017

Congratulations are extended to Elizabeth & James Dick of Parkhall in Clydebank who celebrated their Diamond Wedding today.   Deputy Lieutenant Owen Sayers MBE presented them with  a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen and Provost Douglas MacAllister presented them with flowers and a bottle of whisky from West Dunbartonshire Council.

See photo opposite.

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12th March 2017

Congratulations are extended to Ms Mary McLean of Alexandria who is celebrating her 100th birthday today.

She worked in the local area all of her life starting work at 14 as a housemaid and then moved on to work at the Torpedo factory and then moved on to Westclox.  She retired 40 years ago from her final job at the distillery.  Her lifelong passion has been gardening.  She has a family history of longevity as her mother lived till she was 104.  Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson presented Mary with a congratulatory card from Her Majesty The Queen.

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11th March 2017

CLYDEBANK BLITZ COMMEMORATION SERVICE

Lord Lieutenant Rear Admiral Mike Gregory OBE today joined with the local community in Clydebank to commemorate those who lost their life on the nights of 13th & 14th March 1941 in the Clydebank Blitz.   Together with local dignitaries and members of the Clydebank and Polish community he laid wreaths at the memorials in Dalnottar Cemetery and at the Polish memorial in Solidarity Plaza, Clydebank.

(See Photos Opposite)

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CENTENARIANS

Many congratulations are extended to Mrs Isabella Mcleod in Hillview Nursing Home, Dalmuir,  who celebrates her 100th birthday on 27th February and to Mrs Marion Wright in Bridge  Court Nursing Home, Alexandria,  who celebrates her 100th birthday on 28 February. 

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27th JANUARY 2017

HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2017

FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE joined West Dunbartonshire Provost Douglas McAllister, Martin Docherty MP, Jackie Baillie MSP and Councillors Millar, Flynn, Hendrie, Agnew, Casey, Ryall, Mooney and children of St. Peter's Primary and Vale of Leven Academy at the Council Headquarters in Garshake Road, Dumbarton. They all joined in a pledge to remember all those whose life was ended or affected by Holocaust.

See photo opposite

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18th JANUARY 2017

CITIZENSHIP CEREMONY - EAST DUNBARTONSHIRE

At a ceremony today in Bearsden attended by Deputy Lieutenant Morag Hart MBE JP, Deputy Provost Mrs Anne Jarvis  and Assistant Registrar Christine Wilkie, 5 local residents were sworn in as British Citizens.   Congratulations are extended to:

Mr Jie Shen from China

Mr Hefny Mohamed from Egypt

Mrs Thapanee Thomson from Thailand                       

Siriyakorn Duangprawat  from Thailand

Mrs Amara Akhtar from Pakistan.

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13th JANUARY 2017

Congratulations are extended to Mr & Mrs Bill  and Isobel  Snodden of Kilsyth  who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 11th January 2017, and to Mr & Mrs Francis and Nessie Brady, also of Kilsyth, who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary on 29th December 2016.   Vice Lord Lieutenant Gill Aitkenhead MBE presented both couples with a congratulatory card from HM The Queen, and gifts were presented on behalf of North Lanarkshire Council by Deputy Provost, Councillor Jean Jones, and Councillor Heather McVey all of whom are shown in the photos opposite.

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11th JANUARY 2017

Congratulations to Professor Alex & Mrs Shelia Gardner who celebrated their Diamond Wedding Anniversary today at  Balquhidder Care Home in Alexandria; the couple were married in Cambuslang.   Alex spent some time in the RAF in the 50's and later became a professor of psychology.   Shown in the picture (opposite) on the television screen above the happy couple is their Best Man, Jack, who was able to join the couple via a live feed.  Also shown in the picrure is Deputy Lieutenant Lumsden Mathieson who presented them with a congratulatory card from HM The Queen.

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 NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST 2017

7 Awards have been made to residents of Dunbartonshire - 3 MBE's and  4 BEM's.   Congratulations to:

MBE's

Mrs Melanie Catherine Andrews - Director and Founder, The Scottish Baking Awards. For services to Baking and to the community in Helensburgh.

Mr Gordon Reid - For services to Wheelchair Tennis.

Ms Katie Archibald - For services to Cycling.

BEM's

Mr George Paterson Cochrane - Founder, Community Dog Management Centre.  For services to Dog Management in West Dunbartonshire and Scotland.

Miss Christine Margaret Johnston - Captain, Third Kilsyth Boys' Brigade Company.  For services to Young People and the community in Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire.

Mr Alistair Derek Norval - Organist, St Paul's Church, Milngavie. For services to Music in Dunbartonshire.

Mrs Ann Glenesk - Volunteer, HM Prison Low Moss, Glasgow. For services to Prisoners and Community Relations

Congratulations are also extended to Bearsden born Katherine Grainger CBE who becomes a Dame (DBE) for services to sport and charity

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