Two Uist men take royal appointments
“The Queen is pleased to appoint Mr Iain MacAulay DL as Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for the Western Isles”.
These were the official words announcing the recent appointment of North Uist man Iain MacAulay as the Queen’s personal representative in the islands.
The Comhairle’s former Director of Social and Community Services takes over the role from Donald Martin, who has retired after 25 years service.
Mr MacAulay, comes from Sollas and has been a Deputy Lieutenant since 2003. In a voluntary capacity, he is also Vice- Chair of the Western Isles Cancer Care Initiative and Chair of Comunn na Gàidhlig. He is also a Trustee of Neuro Hebrides, supporting neurological patients and their carers.
Commenting on his appointment, Mr MacAulay said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be appointed Lord-Lieutenant and I look forward to representing Her Majesty The Queen in the Western Isles.” Mr MacAulay continued: “I’m very proud to be an Uibhisteach and a Gaelic speaker. Although I’ve been living in Lewis for 25 years, I still have strong connections with North Uist, and I’m a regular visitor to my home here in Grenitote to see family and friends.”
Mr MacAulay will be supported in his work by his Vice LL, Betty McAtear from Barra, and a team of Deputy LLs, including Alasdair MacEachen from Benbecula and Angus Macintyre from South Uist.
Also supporting the new LL in his duties will be Micheal Vincent Gray, from Garrynamonie, South Uist, who has been appointed as the new Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the Western Isles. The 17-year-old LCpl Gray joined the 1st Battalion The Highlanders Army Cadets in 2017, and is a drummer with the Army Cadet Force Pipes and Drums.
Micheal said: ‘I’m thrilled to have received the award and I’m conscious that I owe a great deal to the guidance and leadership of SMI Ian Moar.”
Iain Moar has worked tirelessly to support the Cadets over many years and was last year awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate for Meritorious Service for his work with the Daliburgh Detachment.
LL MacAulay was delighted to be served by a fellow Uibhisteach, saying: “I’m particularly pleased that in my own first year of office, the Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet is from South Uist. Micheal has been an outstanding Cadet and his appointment is well deserved.”
Micheal was officially appointed to his role by the Lord Lieutenant at the St Valery memorial service at Griminish War Memorial on Thursday, 26th May.The annual St Valery parade honours more than 10,000 members of the 51st Highland Division who were captured in northern France in 1940, and the 1000 who died serving there.
