Southend SWI welcomes Argyll’s first female Lord Lieutenant

During her talk, Mrs MacLeod detailed her extensive responsibilities, which range from coordinating Royal Family visits and escorting dignitaries to presenting medals and advising on honours nominations. 

She reflected on a particularly busy 2025 which saw several significant local events, beginning in April when the Prince and Princess of Wales shared their 14th wedding anniversary celebrations with the communities of Mull and Iona.

The summer months were equally active, starting in May with a whistle-stop tour of the islands of Jura, Kerrera, Seil, Easdale, Luing and Colonsay by the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. 

This was followed in July by a visit from The Princess Royal, who explored local culture and volunteer heritage in Mid Argyll while officially reopening the Kilmartin Museum. 

Also in July, His Majesty The King travelled to Campbeltown for a vibrant celebration of local life, food, drink and community initiatives.

Mrs MacLeod expressed her delight that His Majesty had included a snippet of his Campbeltown visit in his most recent Christmas message. 

She also reminded members that families can apply for a congratulatory card from the King to mark 100th birthdays or diamond (60th) wedding anniversaries.

Margaret McFarlane provided the vote of thanks for a thoroughly engaging evening.

The evening’s competition results: Salmon pâté: Margaret Bakes, gold; Denise Fawcett, gold; Lynn Sloss, silver; Marjorie Leighton, red; Moyra Jane Paterson, blue. Sweet and sour sauce: Moyra Jane Paterson, red. Upcycled plastic bottle: Lynn Sloss, gold; Denise Fawcett, silver; Fiona Rowland, green.