In November 2002 Clare Russell was given the great honour by Her Majesty The Queen to be Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire.

The Lord Lieutenant is The Queen’s representative in Banffshire, and is appointed personally by the Sovereign. It is a great privilege to serve Her Majesty and Banffshire in this way. Clare Russell is the 11th Lord Lieutenant and first Lady Lord Lieutenant of the county.

Mrs Russell was presented with an Honorary Degree from the University of Aberdeen for her work within the county, which was the greatest honour and privilege.

The Duties of a Lord Lieutenant are assisted by a Vice Lord Lieutenant and six Deputy Lieutenants, Mrs Russell performs duties which include:

• Organising visits to the county by members of the Royal Family
• Co-ordinating nominations to the Royal Garden Parties. Nominations are provided by the Deputy Lieutenants of Banffshire and by the local councils, and cover people from all walks of life, particularly those who carry out public or voluntary work.
• The presentation of medals and awards on behalf of Her Majesty
• Arranging for representatives to be present at War Memorials on Remembrance Sunday
• Delivering Her Majesty The Queen’s messages of congratulations on Diamond Weddings and 100th Birthdays
• Liaison with the Army, the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force, TA, local Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps units, and the Royal British Legion
• Involvement in many charity organisations.

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Ballindalloch Castle is situated just off the A95 between the towns of Grantown-on-Spey and Aberlour.

From Elgin (23 miles):
Travel south out of Elgin following the A941 signposted for Perth. At Craigellachie this road becomes the A95. Ballindalloch is approximately 7 miles beyond Aberlour and the Castle entrance is clearly signposted on your right hand side.

From Aberdeen (65 miles):
Take the A96 west towards Elgin. Just after the town of Keith take the A95 to Craigellachie. Turn left at the T-junction in Craigellachie and head towards Aberlour (this is still the A95). The village of Ballindalloch is approximately 7 miles beyond Aberlour and the Castle entrance is clearly signposted on your right hand side.

From Perth (110 miles):
Take the A9 north from Perth and turn right onto the A95 just north of Aviemore. Approximately 15 miles north-east of the town of Grantown-upon-Spey you will see the Ballindalloch Distillery on your right. After crossing the River Avon the road climbs steeply for a short while, past the War Memorial on your right, and the Castle entrance can then be seen clearly signposted on your left after 750m.

From Inverness (47 miles):
Take the A9 south out of Inverness. Just after the village of Slochd take the A938 signposted Carrbridge. Stay on the A938 until Dulnain Bridge where you turn left onto the A95. The Village of Ballindalloch is approximately 15 miles beyond the town of Grantown-upon-Spey. As you journey through the village you will note the Ballindalloch Distillery on your right. After crossing the River Avon the road climbs steeply for a short while, past the War Memorial on your right, and the Castle entrance can then be seen clearly signposted on your left after 750m.

Sat Nav Settings:
Post Code: AB37 9AX
Lat: 57.413605 / Lng: -3.367815) .