Cumbria’s New High Sheriff

Samantha Scott was appointed as King Charles III’s first High Sheriff of Cumbria at a declaration ceremony held at Kendal Town Hall on Thursday 30th March 2023.

The event was attended by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Lord Inglewood, The Mayor of Kendal, Councillor Doug Rathbone and His Honour Judge Barker.

Samantha succeeds Alan McViety who served as the late Queen Elizabeth II’s final High Sheriff until her death in September.

Sam was born in Sheffield but has lived near Windermere for almost 30 years. She is married to Alex, a 4th generation Cumbrian whose family owned a prominent business in Kendal and also established Abbott Hall Art Gallery and The Brewery Arts Centre along with two significant locally-focused charitable trusts.

“I am fortunate to have been a trustee of The Frieda Scott Charitable Trust for 10 years and Chair for three. The role involves overseeing and providing financial support to multiple organisations serving the needs of the most vulnerable in our county. It is a privilege that is both humbling and inspirational.”

Alex and Sam have three adult children who have strong Cumbrian connections, they live on their family’s organic farm and Sam’s wider interests are mostly focussed on the outdoors.

“Cumbria is a county of many things to many people: a county of affluence and beauty but also of real deprivation and hardship; a county divided by mountains with isolated rural communities challenged by inadequate transport and internet connections. It is also the largest, most visited and arguably most beautiful national park.

“A large part of my role this year is to encourage, support and thank the numerous voluntary organisations who work so hard to make our county a better place to live for all. I am looking forward to travelling around Cumbria this year, learning about the struggles faced by many and applauding those who do so much to address them.”

In late April, Sam will be walking the 73 miles of The Cumbria Way, visiting up to 25 charities along the way and raising money for the High Sheriff’s General Fund. This fund is managed by Cumbria Community Foundation to which charities can apply for funding. At the end of her year in office, Sam

will host the High Sheriff Awards, which recognise people and community organisations who devote their time and energy to improving the communities in which they live and work.

The historic role of High Sheriff dates back more than 1,000 years and is personally appointed annually by the reigning monarch. Today, there are 55 High Sheriffs serving the counties of England and Wales each year.

Their role is to be the King’s representative in the county, overseeing all matters relating to the judiciary and the maintenance of law and order.

The office of High Sheriff is held for one year. It is purely voluntary and does not receive any salary or expenses.

To find out more about the High Sheriff of Cumbria, visit www.highsheriffofcumbria.co.uk