Born and raised in Dumfries, he runs Jardine Funeral Directors with his wife Ruth, and was instrumental in establishing the Roucan Loch crematorium and woodland burial site at Collin.
As a funeral celebrant, he has conducted more than 7000 services.
Mark has been president of the Scottish Society of Allied and Independent Funeral Directors, acted as ombudsman in disputes, set up the Bereaved Parents’ Group, chairman of Dumfries Round Table, a member of Dumfries Devorgilla Rotary Club, a Guid Nychburris Baillie, a trustee of the Gretna Landmark project, and established The People’s Project.
The father-of-three was a coach at Greystone Rovers Youth Football Club for many years and is a lifelong supporter of Queen of the South FC.
Welcoming him, Lord Lieutenant Patsy Gilroy said: “He brings a wealth of knowledge and fresh enthusiasm to the role. He will be an invaluable asset in representing Her Majesty The Queen in our region.”