ROYAL REPRESENTATIVE . . . Fiona Armstrong, centre, at a Citizenship Ceremony in Dumfries in her previous role as Deputy Lord Lieutenant
Previously a Deputy Lord-Lieutenant, she succeeds Jean Tulloch, who retired last week after almost a decade in the role.
Married with a grown-up daughter, Fiona has been based in Dumfriesshire for three decades.
Following the announcement, she said: “I am delighted and honoured to be representing the Crown in such a wonderful part of Scotland.
“Having lived and worked there on and off for more than 30 years I have a great attachment to its people and places.
“For the descendant of Armstrong reivers, this is perhaps a turn-up for the books, but I promise to carry out my duties with diligence, and look forward to being ever more involved in Dumfriesshire life.”
She plans to continue using her maiden name in her official duties although holds the title Lady MacGregor of MacGregor through her marriage to Sir Malcolm MacGregor, a Scottish clan chief.
The couple live near Lockerbie. Fiona, who has written a number of books, is also a passionate angler, cook, public speaker and promoter of Scottish clan heritage, including as chairwoman of the Langholm-based Clan Armstrong Trust.
She has worked nationally and internationally with the BBC, ITN and other news organisations but perhaps is best known to local viewers through her work with ITV Border.
Fiona has covered stories across the region ranging from the Lockerbie air disaster in 1988 to lighter topics such as Gretna weddings.
Also proud of her Cumbrian roots — her grandfather was a coal miner in the county — she works with children’s and cancer charities on both sides of the border and is on the board of the University of Central Lancashire.
Fiona praised Jean Tulloch’s contribution to the community during her term as Lord Lieutenant, adding: “She will be a very hard act to follow.”
The Dumfries Lieutenancy covers Nithsdale, Annandale and Eskdale.
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