The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
‘It’s an honour to serve’
Queen: Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness shock at being made CVO
She has come a long way since she left Wick High School aged 15 “with nothing” to work as a shorthand typist.
When she was in her 30s, Margaret Anne Geddes Dunnett decided to sit her exams so she could train to become a solicitor.
Soon she was running her own firm until she retired aged 55, becoming an honorary sheriff and later Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness.
And now as she prepares to turn 75 next week and retire from her position serving the Queen, she has been made a CVO – Commander of the Royal Victorian Order.
Miss Dunnett said: “I was really surprised and quite taken aback. I never expected anything. I have been Lord-Lieutenant for 13 years and I was a deputy for more than six years before that, so I have served the Queen for 20 years.
“I retire next Sunday on June 25 when I turn 75. I don’t know what’s next, I don’t want to make any plans.
“It has been a great honour to serve the Queen. In a small place like Caithness a lot of it involves events in the local community, like church gala days and functions.
“I have loved my work with the cadet force and the sea cadets, being involved with the youngsters.”
One of the great highlights during her time as Lord-Lieutenant was attending the royal wedding with William and Kate.
She has bestowed people with BEMs and attended many 100th birthday parties.
“Huge respect for the Queen and it has been a pleasure to serve her”
Miss Dunnett has served as an honorary patron or president on many local charities and was honorary patron of two schools in Wick, the Pultney Town Academy and Wick High School.
She said: “I have a huge respect for the Queen and it has been a pleasure to serve her.
“I have met her on a couple of occasions.
“Prince Charles comes to The Castle of Mey every year and I am involved with that.”
Born and bred in Wick, Miss Dunnett said: “I’m just vexed that my parents are not here to see what has happened.”
Her mother was Elizabeth Sutherland and her father, William Dunnett, was provost of Wick.