A RETIRED broadcaster who lives near Helensburgh says he is “humbled and deeply honoured” to have been appointed as one of the Queen’s official representatives in the area.
Former STV reporter Mike Edwards, who was born and raised in Inverness, has been confirmed as a deputy lieutenant by order of Her Majesty.
The 56-year-old retired from frontline journalism in 2019 after a 40-year newspaper, radio and TV career and became a full-time carer for his mother Margaret, who passed away from dementia in 2019.
Mike is now an author, charity trustee and Army reserve officer and said his new role is a true privilege.
He said: “I am humbled and deeply honoured to have been appointed to this role and I will do my level best to serve the community.”
Mike is currently a trustee of the Erskine charity for ex-service personnel and their families and, after caring for his mother at home until she passed away two years ago, has been an ambassador for Alzheimer Scotland.
READ MORE: The Queen has a new representative in Helensburgh
He sits on the boards of various other military and civilian charities across Scotland, among them the Highlanders Regimental Museum at Fort George near Inverness, and is a case worker with the service charity SSAFA and a West of Scotland board member of Crimestoppers.
He said: “My life and career were hardly altruistic and I was all about getting to work on the big stories, and getting my next book published, and working towards my next Army promotion.
“All that has changed, and I am now doing all I can to give something back.
“I have time and energy and want to help people who need it, rather than write stories about them.
“I was appointed Deputy Lieutenant totally out of the blue and it is a huge honour.
“I am very much looking forward to getting out and about in the community and meeting people once Covid restrictions allow me to. I cannot wait to get started.”
Earlier this year Helensburgh woman Linda Moffat was appointed as Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, which covers Helensburgh and Lomond, while former NHS chief Jill Young recently became the first female, and first non-military, Lord Lieutenant of the county.
Mike’s duties will include representing the Lord Lieutenant in her absence at local ceremonies and official events, including opening exhibitions.
READ MORE: Former NHS chief is made Lord Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire
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