Royal position for dedicated Wester Ross public servant

A DEDICATED community servant who runs a Wester Ross post office and set up an ‘outreach service’ for nearby villages after a neighbouring site closed down, has been named as a new Deputy Lord-Lieutenant.

Andrew Townsend has been appointed to the position for Ross and Cromarty, Skye and Lochalsh by the area’s Lord-Lieutenant, Janet Bowen.

The Laide man takes over from previous deputy Jean Lindsay, who retired in December after 25 years of service in the role. Mr Townsend, whose career has included spells with the Royal Miliary Police in Berlin and the Metropolitan Police in London, moved back to Wester Ross in 2012.

Mr Townsend is married to Debra, another police officer who retrained to become a professional counsellor, and they have two children, who both at university following their time at Gairloch High School.

Andrew and Debra run the Laide Post Office, General Stores and Filling Station and, following the closure of the Dundonnel Post Office, provide an ‘outreach service’ to the communities there and at Scoraig.

Furthermore, Andrew is an active member of the Mountain Bothies Association, and has a particular responsibility for Shenavall in the heart of the Fisherfield Forest.

Mr Townsend said: "Understanding the fragility of the local economy and the resultant exodus of young people from the area I’m committed to providing year round employment opportunities.

"As such, I actively support apprenticeship places to provide meaningful training for young people wanting to stay in the area," he added.

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