News / Bobby is the new Lord Lieutenant
BURRA man Bobby Hunter has been appointed the Queen’s new Lord-Lieutenant for Shetland, Downing Street announced on Monday afternoon.
Mr Hunter will succeed Sir John Scott who is to retire on 30 November, his 75th birthday.
Speaking from his home at Bridge End, 62 year old Mr Hunter said the appointment as the Queen’s representative on the isles had come as a big surprise.
“I knew that my name had been put forward and I received the letter on Friday afternoon confirming the appointment.
“I am delighted and feel that it is going to be a big challenge to follow in John’s footsteps. He has done a tremendous amount of work for the community over the years,” Mr Hunter said.
He added that he was still unsure as to what exactly his new duties would entail other than helping to organise royal visits to Shetland.
“I am not quite sure how it works yet. I had one side of an A4 letter, saying I have been appointed and someone will contact me with the details,” he said.
A Lord Lieutenant for several years, he said that he was adamant that the royal appointment will not change the man Bobby Hunter or his family life too much.
“I just have to be myself and try to do as good a job as I can. There will be the responsibility of taking part and helping to organise the activities a Lord Lieutenant has to be involved in,” he said.
Educated in both Lerwick and at Strathclyde University, Mr Hunter spent his early employment in shipbuilding and marine electrical equipment supply.
After periods with Shetland Islands Council and the fish processing industry, he returned to marine engineering and supplies until taking early retirement in 2006.
Active in the Shetland community, he has taken on director appointments on behalf of the council’s economic development unit, and is a prominent member in the Althing debating society and the Windfarm Supporters Group.
Married to Mabel, they have three children, and five grandchildren.
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