A changing of the guard at the Aberdeen Association of the Royal Warrant Holders Association (RWHA) has seen Christopher Leigh, managing director of smokehouse John Ross Jnr installed as new president.
Mr Leigh takes over the role from Stuart Cordiner, managing director at timber merchant James Cordiner & Son.
Aberdeen-based John Ross Jr was granted the Royal Warrant in 1993 and has since played an active role in supporting the RWHA’s Aberdeen association, which came into being in 1871.
Mr Leigh, 42, of Durris, aims to build on important ties between members and the local business community, continue the success that the regional arm of the RWHA has established since its inception 146 years ago and maintain close links with the resident factor on the Balmoral Estate.
He said: “It is an honour to accept this role and I am delighted to have been asked.
“The Royal Warrant Holders Association plays an extremely important role, not only with regards to the Aberdeenshire community but also internationally.
“The Royal Warrant, and those who have been chosen to represent all that it stands for, is an emblem of quality.
“Being in a position to help unite those who share its values and its honour is a huge personal achievement and a role that I very much look forward to being involved with.”
John Ross Jr, currently celebrating its 30th year, supplies smoked fish and other products to customers in 33 countries. It won its second Queen’s Award for Enterprise last year.
The firm is one of 50 members of the Aberdeen arm of the RWHA – spanning businesses from Speyside to Angus and north Perthshire.
Other Royal Warrant holders in the Aberdeen association include Johnstons of Elgin, Aboyne-based Amber Computing & IT Services, Banchory firm Deeside Cleaners and Launderers, Stagecoach Bluebird, Tipperty firm Connon Brothers, Norvite Animal Nutrition, of Insch, Donald Russell, of Inverurie, Walkers Shortbread, of Aberlour, and Aberdeen businesses Aster Cash Registers, Chalmers Bakery, Glencraft, James Cocker & Sons, Richard Irvin & Sons and William Wilson.
There are also two royal household pest control businesses on the list – Presly Pest Control, based at Mains of Auquhorthie, near Oldmeldrum, and English firm Rokill Pest Control Services.
Events organised by the north-east Royal Warrant holders include an annual dinner, a golf match and the Braemar Gathering.
A Royal Warrant of Appointment is a mark of recognition of those who have supplied goods or services to the households of the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh or the Duke of Rothesay, Prince Charles, for at least five years and who have an ongoing trading arrangement.
The need for an Aberdeen branch of the RWHA arose about 23 years after Queen Victoria first visited Aberdeenshire.