A look back on 2024

17 April 2025

The royal family are deeply grateful for all you do to make our region a better place to live and work in. 

Dumfries and Galloway is amazing when it comes to volunteering; when it comes to the arts and the community, helping the young and our older folk. So many community events take place here, and here are some of those we attended last year in the King's name. Not least the coronation.

Dumfries

Fiona Armstrong and her Deputy Lieutenants attended some 150 events. From Gretna to Sanquhar, from Langholm to Dumfries, we have been delivering anniversary cards and presiding over citizenship ceremonies. 

We have laid wreaths, visited schools and care homes and been lucky enough to be present at medal presentations. 

The riding of the marches Queen's Gala held at the Crichton was one highlight, as was the visit by the Norwegians, whose proud links to Dumfries date back to World War Two. There was the switch on of the fountain in Dumfries and the unveiling of a flagstone tribute to the late Queen in Annan. 

There was also tartan galore at the various Burns' ceremonies, and the march through Dumfries by the Royal Regiment of Scotland. All stirring stuff.

The Stewartry

The Lord Sinclair and his Deputy Lieutenants have also been involved in delivering Diamond anniversary and 100th birthday cards, as well as laying wreaths to commemorate Remembrance Sunday and joining in the many Coronation celebrations. 

Among the events we attended were:

  • Kirkcudbright and District Pipe Band's first Scottish night of the year
  • the Kirkcudbright Tattoo
  • a demonstration launch at Kirkcudbright Lifeboat Station
  • a Gatehouse Music Society Concert
  • aa reception celebrating 25 years of cancer patient transport in Dumfries and Galloway
  • Castle Douglas Legion Armed Forces Day 2023

The Lord Sinclair also had the honour of presenting medals to very much deserving Stewartry citizens:

  • the Nuclear Test Medal to an RAF veteran
  • a British Empire Medal (BEM)
  • a RNLI long service award

Wigtown

Aileen Brewis and her Deputy Lieutenants had another busy year with events the length and breadth of Wigtownshire. 

We began with the poignant 70th anniversary of the Princess Victoria disaster when 135 men, women and children lost their lives as the Stranraer to Larne ferry sank in icy waters.  

As the year progressed we enjoyed lots of Coronation activities and planted trees, visited schools, crowned pageant 'Queens', enjoyed afternoon teas and even waved off vintage tractors for their popular annual run. 

We supported the fantastic Stranraer Oyster Festival and the 25th anniversary of the Wigtown Book Festival alongside countless other community and Armed Forces events. 

Mrs Brewis was delighted to present the prestigious 'Queen's Award for Enterprise' to the owners of Bladnoch whisky distillery who travelled from Australia with several of their staff to accept it. 

From Fiona Armstrong, the Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Aileen Brewis, the Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtown, and Lord Sinclair, the Lord-Lieutenant for The Stewartry of Kirkcudbright - we thank you again for all you do - and look forward to working with you in the coming year.