West Lothian is getting ready to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee this summer.
A number of local events have been organised while the county will also take part in national initiatives to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s record-breaking 70 years of service.
These include lighting of the Platinum Jubilee Beacons at Beecraigs Country Park on Thursday, June 2, where beacons will be lit throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and Commonwealth countries. Livingston has also applied for city status as part of the Platinum Jubilee Civic Honours and we expect to hear if this has been successful in spring/summer.
West Lothian is also taking part in The Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, to plant healthy native trees that will thrive, enhancing our environment and the landscape for generations to come.
Nelson Park in Armadale has been designated for this, and work is progressing on an ancient woodland site at Calderwood Country Park. The council has also applied for an ancient tree in West Lothian to be designated as part of the canopy.
Many people will also be enjoying an extra day off, including all school children.
A West Lothian Council spokesperson said: ”All schools will be closed on Friday, June 3, as part of the Platinum Jubilee weekend celebrations, and all council staff have been given an additional day of leave to enable as many people as possible the opportunity to take part in events.
“Many schools are also planning to use The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event and celebrations as part of their curriculum programmes this academic session.
“The Museums Service are planning a Platinum Jubilee exhibition, which will tour around community museums spaces and partnership centres across West Lothian, as well as supporting community-based heritage projects, such as the Bennie Museum and Bathgate Community Council.
“Community groups and community councils have also been encouraged to apply for more than £22 million of National Lottery funding, which has been made available to help communities across the country come together to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.”
Are you part of a group or charity that is planning to mark the occasion with a special celebration, or are your neighbours organising a street party?
Email debbie.hall@reachplc.com to share the news.
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