High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! The High Sheriff of Belfast is a High Sheriff title and position which was created in 1900 under the Local Government (Ireland) Act 1898, with Sir James Henderson the first holder. It is a largely ceremonial position currently held by Ian Adamson, who took office in January 2011. The High Sheriff is theoretically the Queen`s judicial representative in the city, while the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast is the Sovereign`s personal representative, however the office is now largely symbolic with few formal duties other than deputising for the Lord Mayor of Belfast at official events.