Elaine appointed Lord-Lieutenant

The Queen’s appointment of Elaine Grieve as the 21st Lord-Lieutenant for Orkney was warmly welcomed today (Wednesday 29 January).

Elaine succeeds Bill Spence, who retired earlier this month, and is the first woman to hold the office in Orkney.
Orkney Islands Council Convener Harvey Johnston said: “Elaine is eminently suited and admirably qualified to take on this important role.

“I welcome her appointment on behalf of the council and the people of Orkney and look forward to working with her as Orkney’s new Lord-Lieutenant.”

Elaine was born in Aberdeen. Her parents were from Orkney and she has lived in the county for most of her life.

After university she worked for 34 years for Orkney Islands Council, initially as a primary school teacher, followed by a period as Assistant Head and Head Teacher. She then became OIC’s Assistant Director of Education and finally Assistant Chief Executive and Director of Corporate Services. She retired in 2011.

Since her retirement, Elaine has supported many local organisations and served on many local boards. She has been Chair of Orkney Folk Festival; Director of the Pier Arts Centre; Director of the Orkney Housing Association; and Vice-Chair of Voluntary Action Orkney.

She said: “I am deeply honoured to be appointed as Lord-Lieutenant for Orkney and particularly proud to follow the 20 men who have preceded me as the first woman to take on the role.

“I welcome the chance to celebrate the great contribution so many local folk make to our wonderful community – and to marking the Queen’s recognition of their achievements.

“I look forward to the challenges and opportunities ahead and would like to thank Bill Spence for his exceptional service to our community and for his personal support during my time working as the Vice Lord-Lieutenant over the past year.”