icScotland - Queen unveils Jubilee cairn plaque
icScotland logo
icScotland News Sport icHomes
Search icScotland for:
Scottish News

Queen unveils Jubilee cairn plaque

 

The Queen has unveiled a plaque marking a special Diamond Jubilee cairn close to her Balmoral Estate.

The residents of Ballater, Aberdeenshire, collected 60 stones from hills in the surrounding area to create the display.

On a visit to the town, the Queen met Gordon Bruce and Alistair Cassie who came up with the idea for the commemorative work.

Hundreds of locals turned out to see the Queen who was presented with a bouquet by waiting children.

Mr Bruce, a retired builder, said: "We felt the royalty had done a lot for Ballater and we should do something for the Jubilee. We got kind permission to go on all the estates to collect the stones. The blacksmith and so on has done everything for nothing - the community spirit has been great."

The Queen, who wore a mint green coat and hat by Angela Kelly and carried a black patent bag, walked down the town's main street which had been decked with Union Jack bunting.

The crowds cheered and applauded as she reached the church and lifted a cover of Balmoral tartan to reveal the plaque, which lists the 30 hills the stones came from.

The rocks themselves are set within a bed of mixed heather next to the plaque and topped by a large stone inscribed with "Queen Elizabeth II" and "1952 Jubilee 2012".

The main stone was unveiled by local schoolchildren Elise Smith, eight, and Jack O'Halloran, nine, who wore crowns they had made. They were the winners of a primary school competition held on Jubilee day.

Jack said: "It was very exciting to meet the Queen. I hope she liked our crowns."

 
Official Line-up for T in the Park
Police hunt for missing Cabaret Voltaire boss Martin Gordon
WEATHER WARNING SUGGESTS FLOODING COULD HIT SCOTLAND
Hey Mario, Wii broke the TV!
Top Top

Back Back

E-mail this article to a friend

Printable VersionPrintable version

 

 


Copyright and Trade Mark Notice
© owned by or licensed to Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited 2013.
icScotland™ is a trade mark of Scottish & Universal Newspapers Limited.
Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Statement before using this site.

 
Advertisements
 
Jobs in Scotland:




 
 Quick Links
  • What's On
  • TV Listings
  • Horoscopes
  • Joke of the Day