History

From the 14th century, Scottish Kings appointed Lieutenants to cover specific territorial areas for short periods.  Their purpose was to meet particular emergencies such as invasion or rebellion.  1794 saw a Royal Warrant order the development of volunteer forces for the defence of the country and permanent lieutenancies were established in the 33 counties.

The principal function of the Lieutenants was to encourage the formation of volunteer forces to protect the country in the French Revolutionary War.  Forces raised in each county were led by a Lord-Lieutenant who was appointed by the Sovereign and who in turn appointed Deputy Lieutenants. After 1802 the Lord-Lieutenant was an ex officio member of the Police Committee and the Local Authority but the Local Government Act of 1889 abolished these functions and the role of lieutenancies gradually became more ceremonial.

The traditional links with the military have however been preserved through the association with the Armed Forces, the Army Reserves and other Reserve and Cadet Forces. Strong links have also been developed with the emergency services and a wide variety of voluntary organisations. However the principal role of the Lord-Lieutenant is as the personal representative of Her Majesty The Queen in the Lieutenancy area.

In 1975, as part of local government reoganisation, the Counties were disbanded and replaced by District Councils. The area covered by the Lord-Lieutenancy then changed from Stirlingshire to Stirling and Falkirk. Previous Lord-Lieutenants of Stirlingshire (1794-1975) and of Stirling and Falkirk (1975 to present):

1794-1837    3rd Duke of Montrose
1837-1843    2nd Baron Abercromby
1843-1875    4th Duke of Montrose
1875-1885    7th Earl of Dunmore
1885-1926    5th Duke of Montrose
1926-1929    1st Viscount Younger
1929-1936    William Pullar
1936-1949    Sir George Stirling Bt
1949-1964    Sir Ian Bolton Bt
1964-1979    3rd Viscount Younger
1979-1983    General Frederick Graham
1983-2005    Sir James Stirling
2005-2017    Marjory McLachlan
2017-             Alan Simpson