Two pillars of the Banffshire community were appointed as deputy lieutenants of the county yesterday.
Mrs Patricia Lawson and Mrs Frances McKay were commissioned at a ceremony held at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen.
They will fill the positions left vacant following the retirement of Mr Jim Walker CBA and the former role of the now lord-lieutenant, Andrew Simpson.
In their new roles, they will support the lord-lieutenant with tasks such as as identifying guests to be invited to Royal Garden parties and local enterprises that might merit a Royal visit.
Mrs Lawson has been involved with several organisations, volunteering as a bereavement counsellor for the charity Cruse and working as the secretary of Speyside Branch of Macmillan Cancer Support for 27 years.
She is also clerk to the Tomintoul, Glenlivet and Inveravon Church congregational board.
Mrs McKay has also served her community in a number of ways, using her career as a former Walter Gerrard & Co of Macduff solicitor to help others as a trustee of the Sir Thomas Broun Smith Memorial Trust, a charity set up to support law students at Aberdeen University.
The local history expert is an active member of many groups and is currently the vice-chairwoman of the Banff Preservation and Heritage Society.
Lord-Lieutenant Andrew Simpson said: “I am delighted to welcome Tricia and Frances as deputies to the Banffshire lieutenancy.
“As well as their personal skills and qualities, both bring with them vast experience from serving in and involvement with their local communities.
“I am looking forward to working with them as we serve and promote the Banffshire community and area.”