The Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, Major Sir Richard Henderson was the guest of honour at a civic function - hosted by North, East and South Ayrshire Councils - to mark his forthcoming retiral on July 7.

Tributes to the Lord Lieutenant, who was recently knighted by The Queen, in her birthday honours list, were paid by a range of distinguished participants.

These included: South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan; North Ayrshire Council Provost Drew Duncan; East Ayrshire Council Depute Provost Thomas Farrell, and Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Sir William Rae.

Welcomed by Provost Sloan, the Lord Lieutenant was told by her:  “May I, on behalf of everyone present tonight, congratulate you on the Knighthood which Her Majesty the Queen has bestowed on you.

Paying tribute to Major Sir Richard’s service as Lord Lieutenant, Provost Sloan said:
“The cross section of distinguished people that you have warmly welcomed to this area, or to whom you have given support, in your capacity as Lord Lieutenant,  is quite incredible.

“As the principal representative of the Crown in the joint “territories” which make up North, East and South Ayrshire you have undoubtedly carried out your duties with military professionalism, with care and consideration, and most importantly with an obvious pride in your responsibilities.

“Royalty, Prime Ministers, Presidents, Sheriffs, Centenarians - and Provosts. The categories of people that you have welcomed are a fascinating who’s who of the highest distinction.  This evening is an opportunity for the last named, the Provosts,  to pay tribute to you.

“I am delighted to be a part of this Civic Reception in your honour,  and to host it here in Troon, as near as possible to the one point in Ayrshire where the areas of North, East and South Ayrshire Councils all come together.

“As Provost of South Ayrshire Council, I am privileged to express appreciation also on behalf of past Provosts of South Ayrshire, and also fellow Councillors,  for the role that you have undertaken, and the practical support that you have provided in South Ayrshire, on so many occasions.”

Major Sir Richard Henderson’s appointment as Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran was was made by the Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, in 1991.

Since then he has been responsible for the organisation of all official Royal visits to Ayrshire and Arran, and has been on hand to escort the Royal visitors around a range of  different locations.

Lords Lieutenant are required to retire at the age of 75,  and it was pointed out to guests that Major Sir Richard Henderson is due to celebrate this birthday on July 7.

Provost Sloan emphasised: “The Royal appointment of Lord Lieutenant is one the highest esteem and I am sure, retiral from it will allow you to look back on 15 years of proud memories.”

The Provost also praised the role that Lady Henderson had played, supporting her husband in his Royal role, saying:  “We are all delighted to associate you with the tribute we are paying to your husband this evening.  It is widely known that you have been superbly supportive of your husband’s vast range of duties.”

Guests at the function, held at the Lochgreen Hotel, Troon, included the Chief Constable of Strathclyde Police, Sheriff Principal,  Members of Parliament and Scottish Parliament, the Leaders of  North, East and South Ayrshire Councils, and respective Chief Executives.

A presentation was made on behalf of the Provosts of North, East and South Ayrshire Council, and the respective Council Leaders and fellow councillors.

Major Sir Richard Henderson was invited to receive a specially commissioned painting, by local artist William McLean Kerr, and Lady Henderson was presented with a floral tribute.

From left: East Ayrshire Council Depute Provost Thomas Farrell; Major Sir Richard Henderson; South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan; Lady Frances Henderson and North Ayrshire Council Provost Drew Duncan.

From left: East Ayrshire Council Depute Provost Thomas Farrell; Sheriff Principal Bruce Kerr; Major Sir Richard Henderson; South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan; Lady Frances Henderson; Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Sir William Rae and North Ayrshire Council Provost Drew Duncan.

From left: East Ayrshire Council Depute Provost Thomas Farrell; Sheriff Principal Bruce Kerr; the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Gibson T Macdonald; Major Sir Richard Henderson; South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan; the Leader of North Ayrshire Council, Councillor David O’Neill (at back); Lady Frances Henderson; the Leader of East Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andrew McIntyre; Strathclyde Police Chief Constable Sir William Rae and North Ayrshire Council Provost Drew Duncan.

Major Sir Richard Henderson and his wife, Lady Frances Henderson, surrounded by hosts and guests at the Civic Dinner held in their honour.

June 2006