A new Lord Lieutenant has been appointed to a historic north-east community.
The Queen has named Christopher Andrew Crawford Simpson as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for Banffshire to succeed Mrs Clare Russell, CVO, who retired on August 4.
Mr Simpson will be well known to many within the north-east as an educator after spells at both Turriff Academy and Elgin High.
Mr Simpson said: “The historic area of Banffshire is a wonderful area and it’s a great honour to take on the role as Lord Lieutenant.
“During Mrs Clare Russell’s time in office she has done so much to represent the area and the Queen.
“She has also represented the interest of the people.
“I’m looking forward to taking a look at her work as an example to service our communities.”
Mr Simpson studied at Aberdeen University from 1975 until 1979 and achieved a second class upper division and later earned a postgraduate certificate of education at Aberdeen College of Education.
He was a teacher of religious and moral education at Turriff Academy and later became head of the department.
Shortly after, he became a staff tutor at Elgin High School and was later promoted to assistant head teacher, deputy head and head teacher.
He currently works part-time as a tutor at Aberdeen University’s school of education and in 2016 was the runner-up for the Life Time Achievement category at the Scottish Education Awards.
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A spokesperson for Elgin High School said: “Congratulations to our former head teacher Andy Simpson on his appointment as Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.
“It is a much deserved honour and we wish him every success.”
Mr Simpson has also held numerous roles within the community, including session clerk at Macduff Parish Church and was once president of the Banff Rotary Club.
He is currently a member of the National Mission and Discipleship Council and Convener of the Mission Committee with the Presbytery of Buchan – roles he has held in the Church of Scotland since 2017.
Councillor Mark Findlater, who represents the Banff and Buchan area, said: “I am chuffed for Andy to be named the new Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.
“I have known him for a very long time and from the various groups we have been involved with together, such as the Rotary Club.
“I’m sure he is going to do an absolutely fantastic job in his new role and I look forward to working alongside him.”
MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, Stewart Stevenson, added: “I warmly congratulate Andrew on his appointment as Lord Lieutenant and look forward to working with him to help promote the interests of those Banffshire communities which lie within my constituency.
“Clare Russell did a huge power of work in support of local organisations and keeping the historic county of Banff on the map and I pay tribute to her work over many years.
“I am sure that Andrew Simpson is relishing his new role and will be an equally strong advocate for the county and I wish him well in his duties.”
