West Lothian Council delivers

Can a congratulatory message from the Queen be a surprise or must the recipients be advised in advance?

No, the telegram from the Queen can be, and usually is, a surprise. Liaison with a family member over the detailed arrangements is all that is required.

Do I have to apply for a special message from the Queen, or can it happen automatically?

The designated birthday messages from the Queen can happen automatically in which case the Scottish Executive will contact the Council and efforts will be made to contact family members to make appropriate arrangements. Sometimes, a birthday can be missed, however, so it is best to contact the Provost's office direct. Messages for special wedding anniversaries never happen automatically. A family member must make a request for Diamond, 65th and 70th wedding anniversaries and annually thereafter.

For which special occasions can I apply for a message from the Queen?

Messages from the Queen can be requested to mark 100th birthdays, 105th birthdays and annually thereafter; Diamond Wedding Anniversaries, 65th and 70th anniversaries and annually thereafter. Messages are not available for Golden Weddings. Proof of the anniversary will be required. A photocopy of the Marriage Certificate or sight of the original is normally required, or in the case of a birthday, a birth certificate might be necessary depending on circumstances.

How do I apply for civic hospitality?

It is best to write to the Senior Secretary/Administrator in the Provost's office giving details of the event or accomplishment for which hospitality is being requested with proposed date(s), numbers, times and so on. You should give as much information as you can at this stage. Your application will then be considered and we will let you know the decision in due course.

Is there another way to arrange for the message from the Queen?

To get a message from the Queen to commemorate a special anniversary, you can contact Buckingham Palace direct but the Council will be contacted eventually anyway so it is best to save time by contacting the Council yourself.

What form does civic hospitality take?

It would be for the Council to decide whether hospitality will be provided and, if so, in what form. This would vary according to the nature of the event, the number of participants, the venue and so on. Examples might range from light refreshments (tea/coffee/biscuits), a reception or a simple presentation. Other forms of hospitality can be considered.

What is Civic Hospitality?

The Council will sometimes provide hospitality in the form of a reception, or light refreshments or a simple presentation to mark special events or achievements. Examples of this might include, a reception for attendees at a major conference being held in Angus or to mark a special achievement by a group or organisation in the area; or perhaps in recognition of a special honour that has been conferred on a person or business or local charity and so on.

When should I apply for civic hospitality?

Hospitality takes time to plan and organise. Applications should be made as far in advance of the dates concerned as possible. It would not usually be possible to consider applications for events less than six weeks ahead.

Who else is involved in organising a special message from the Queen to mark an important anniversary?

The Lord Lieutenant locally will be informed as he or she is the Queen's representative who will deliver the message along with a representative from Royal Mail. It is also customary to inform the local MP, MSP and local Councillor as well as the Provost. The Provost will normally also attend or be suitably represented. You do not need to contact any of these people yourself - they will be informed and invited on your behalf.

Who hosts a civic hospitality event?

Normally the Provost or another Councillor would host the event and guests representing the council would also be invited in addition to your own guests.