Banffshire welcomes new Deputy Lieutenant Reverend Dr Kay Gauld
A new Deputy Lieutenant for Banffshire has been appointed.
Reverend Dr Kay Gauld has been assigned to the role following the retirement of Vinay Ruparelia.
Rev Gauld was educated at Aberchirder Primary School before moving on to Banff Academy for her secondary education.
She worked for 12 years in the banking industry before studying Divinity at the University of Aberdeen, Union Theological Seminary and at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York.
She was ordained to the Church of Scotland ministry completing her probation in Mid Calder, West Lothian.
From 1999 to 2015 she was associate minister to her late husband, Ranald, at Keith: St. Rufus, Botriphnie and Grange, taking over as minister during his terminal illness.
Then from 2015 to 2023 she was minister at Insch-Leslie-Premnay and Oyne, retiring at the end of September 2023.
Since 2006, she has also been chaplain for Air Training Corp (Huntly) Squadron 1298.
Following her retirement she is now living in Cullen and has become actively involved with the Cullen Community Centre.
Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson said: “Kay was born and brought up in historic Banffshire and has worked here for much of her career.
“She brings both a deep knowledge of the area and a commitment to the communities.
“I am delighted to welcome her to the Banffshire Lieutenancy.
“I know that her personal skills will contribute much to the work of the team.”
Meanwhile, the lieutenancy team has bid farewell to Mr Ruparelia who has now officially retired.
The former pharmacist was appointed to the position on August 5, 2013 by former Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire Clare Russell.
During his 11 years as Deputy Lieutenant, he has been involved with many different activities and events including citizenship ceremonies, diamond wedding anniversaries, 100th birthdays, royal visits and acts of Remembrance.
He was one of the leading figures in the competition to design a flag for Banffshire which was registered with the Lord Lyon’s office.
He was awarded a MBE in the New Year’s Honours list of 2020. This was in recognition of his many contributions to the community of Portsoy and district.
He is the CEO of Books Abroad, an active member of Rotary and has been involved in a number of projects supporting people in the community.
His retirement was marked at a meal with current and former members of the Banffshire Lieutenancy at the Seafield Arms Hotel in Cullen, where he and his wife Teresa were presented with gifts.
