Military Matters at St Mary’s Lochee

Events

In aid of parish restoration funds, a talk will take place at 7pm on Friday 7th February 2025 in St Mary’s Church Hall, Gray’s Lane, Lochee.

The speakers are Alex Garty MVO and Pipe Major Derek Potter RVM – both Dundee born and bred with Lochee connections and after leaving Dundee, both had very interesting careers, ending with their personal service within the Royal Household.  They have since returned to their home town.

Alex was brought up in the area known as Tipperary, Lochee and after leaving school in 1966 he joined the army as an Aircraft Technician.  On leaving the army in 1978 he joined the Metropolitan Police where he served in a variety of roles until 2008.  

On retirement he was appointed the Transport Manager of the Royal Household.  He was responsible for all matters relating to vehicles and transport and was therefore responsible for the logistics of transporting the Queen and other Royal Family members throughout the UK.  Alex was also responsible for the transportation of foreign dignitaries and their staff during state visits.  This included all major events including state banquets.  As you would imagine, this was a particularly challenging role which involved close liaison with a number of organisations including the Military, the Police, particularly the Royalty Protection Group. 

He was awarded the  MVO (Member of the Royal Victorian Order), for his transport services in Scotland on the demise of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II during which he had a leading role in moving the Queen’s coffin from Scotland to London

Derek  joined The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys) in 1988 and completed 25 years military service being appointed Pipe Major of the Regiment in 2002.

He  served as The Sovereign’s (Queen’s) Piper between  2008 -2012 and during that time, he played at countless major public and private ceremonies – including numerous state banquets including President Obama and Pope Benedict XVI.

At 9 o’clock every morning whenever the Queen was in residence, Derek played outside Her Majesty’s apartments including those at Buckingham Palace, Windsor, the Palace of Holyrood house and Balmoral Castle.

Derek also acted as an Honorary Page of the Presence at events such as audiences, garden parties, investitures, state functions and receptions. It was also his job to escort The Queen to the various audiences that she had throughout the day.

Although both from Dundee, they only met whilst serving in the Royal Household and, although they have spoken at various previous events independently, this is the first time they have spoken at the same event.

Tickets can be purchased for £7 at the rear of the church after Mass or alternatively via Eventbrite using the following link.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/on-her-majestys-service-tickets-1151497402729