The Lord-Lieutenant represents the Queen in Aberdeenshire and his prime duty is to uphold the dignity of the crown. The Lord-Lieutenant's role is non-political. He seeks to encourage a spirit of co-operation in the voluntary services and benevolent organisations and takes an active interest in the business, industrial and social life of Aberdeenshire.
Lord-Lieutenants in Scotland are appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister and the First Minister of Scotland.
The office of Lord-Lieutenant is of military origin. Today, links are maintained by association with Volunteer Reserve Forces. They are also connected with other uniformed organisations such as the Fire, Police and Ambulance services and many local voluntary bodies, also The Cadet Forces and other youth organisations. Lord Lieutenants have long been associated with the magistracy but, in Scotland, this direct association ceased in 2007.