The incoming Lord Lieutenant for Ross and Cromarty says she hopes to be able to work alongside people to build a stronger community.
The Queen yesterday announced that Joanie Whiteford would take up her duties when the current holder Janet Bowen retires on July 12.
Mrs Whiteford, from Tain, said she was “delighted, slightly daunted and excited about carrying on Janet’s good work.”
Mrs Whiteford, who grew up on a sheep farm in rural Northumberland before moving north and settling in Ross-shire, said she had lots of ideas about what she would like to do with the lieutenancy, but is keen to be guided by the people of “the patch”.
Mrs Whiteford said: “I am interested in lots of things including the positive nature of mental health and sport, home cooking and developing good strong links within the community. I hope to be able to hear how people would like to see the lieutenancy develop to meet the needs of the community – to allow people to be the best that they can be.”
Mrs Whiteford was educated at Berwick-upon-Tweed Grammar School, studied home economics at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen and subsequently completed a Post Graduate teaching diploma at Moray House School of Education, Edinburgh.
She is currently a self-employed computer trainer for Farmplan Computers and also produces management accounts for a number of clients.
She previously worked in Ernst and Young’s business advisory department and also delivered business development courses for the Agricultural Training Board throughout Wester Ross, Lochaber, Orkney and Shetland.
She has held numerous voluntary posts and is currently a vestry member and treasurer of St Andrews Episcopal Church in Tain.
She is the treasurer of Tain Tennis Club, and is involved in junior tennis coaching.
She has also been a committee member of Nigg and Shandwick Friendship where she has helped to organise an annual Christmas party for the last 30 years.
With a keen interest in sports and the natural environment, Mrs Whiteford particularly enjoys tennis, golf, cycling and skiing, gardening, walking her dogs, hill walking, farming and cooking.
She is aged 59, married to David and has three adult children.
