The Duke of Buccleuch’s retirement as Lord-Lieutenant for Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, in July 2025, was officially marked at an event at the Tapestry Building in Galashiels on 9 October 2025.
The Duke of Buccleuch
The Duke’s appointment to the role of Lord-Lieutenant was announced in November 2016 and came into effect in December of the same year, succeeding Captain The Honourable Gerald Maitland-Carew CVO.
He (The Duke of Buccleuch) has a distinguished career in public life and philanthropy. He has significant involvement in Scottish civic life serving and having served on many boards including as President of the National Trust for Scotland, Trustee of the Royal Collection Trust, Patron of the Abbotsford Trust, sponsor of the Walter Scott Prize, presented annually at the Borders Book Festival in Melrose, to mention just a few.
Whilst he has retired from the role as Lord-Lieutenant, he remains Captain-General of the Royal Company of Archers and continues to hold many other high-profile appointments.
The Duke of Buccleuch is widely recognised for his genuine appreciation of volunteers and his active encouragement of community service. He has regularly hosted events to celebrate volunteers’ contributions and has publicly acknowledged the vital role they play in the wellbeing of the Scottish Borders, hosting events to recognise volunteers across the Scottish Borders.
As the Duke of Buccleuch steps down from his role as Lord-Lieutenant, Councillor McAteer thanked him on behalf of the Scottish Borders community, extending its heartfelt thanks for his years of dedicated service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering support for volunteering and civic life.
Convenor of Scottish Borders Council, Councillor Watson McAteer
“On behalf of the Scottish Borders Council and our communities, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to The Duke of Buccleuch for his years of dedicated service as Lord-Lieutenant.
“Throughout his tenure, the Duke of Buccleuch has championed volunteering, regularly celebrating the kindness and dedication of volunteers and recognising their vital role in strengthening communities across the Borders.
"His legacy of championing community spirit and celebrating the contributions of others will continue to inspire for years to come.
“His leadership, has left a lasting legacy of commitment and community spirit across Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale.”
Duke of Buccleuch, Richard Scott
“It has been an immense honour to serve the Borders community as Lord-Lieutenant and a privilege to witness the remarkable spirit and dedication of our communities, especially through the challenges of the Covid years.
“As I step aside, I am deeply grateful for the support and camaraderie we have shared.
“I am truly pleased to see John Jeffrey take on the role of Lord-Lieutenant. I am confident that he will serve with distinction as His Majesty’s representative and continue to uphold the values and traditions that make our region so exceptional.”
Councillor Watson McAteer acknowledged the appointment of John Jeffrey as the new Lord-Lieutenant
“I am confident that John will continue the Duke’s legacy of service and commitment to our communities. His experience and passion for our region makes him the perfect choice for this esteemed role."
The Council and local residents look forward to working with John Jeffrey as he takes up this important role, confident that he will build on the Duke’s remarkable example and continue to strengthen the bonds that make the Borders such a special place to live and serve.