George (102) salutes "friendly" Scone community at popular Jubilee celebration bash

A thousand people joined in the fun at the Scone Community Platinum Jubilee Celebrations on Saturday, June 4 with proceedings opened by a local resident who would have already been aged 33 when Elizabeth II took the throne in June 1953.

The sun shone and the bands played and there was something for everyone in the Robert Douglas Memorial Institute and Scone Park.

Organised by the local community groups led by the Robert Douglas Memorial Institute, Scone and District Community Council and Scone Village Association, the event was attended by MSPs John Swinney and Murdo Fraser, as well as Colin Stewart and Hugh Anderson, two local councillors.

The celebrations were opened by George Stewart, now aged 102.

On Saturday June 4, a fun free Jubilee activities afternoon brought around 1000 people to enjoy the occasion in Scone Park beside the Robert Douglas Memorial Institute (Scone Village Association)

George was born December 1919 in Glasgow. He moved to Scone over 30 years ago and on June 4 said he had been made most welcome there, adding: “Scone has a great community, it’s a great place to live”.

He praised the organisers for their hard work and determination to give the community a day to remember.

In Scone's Robert Douglas Memorial Institute on June 4, local children painted portraits of the Queen for the Platinum Jubilee celebrations (Scone Village Association)

Entertainment came from Perth and District Pipe Band, Perthshire Brass, Perth Baton Twirlers and several local dance groups, showing their excellent routines from country, Highland and contemporary dance.

Vintage vehicles were out on show in the Jubilee sunshine at Scone Park (RDMI)

The bouncy castles were a hit with the younger attendees and the selection of vintage vehicles were a talking point for young and old alike.

Several families brought their picnics and met up with friends and loved ones.

The halls hosted teas and coffees, crown-making craft room and a 1950s memorabilia room and showcased the excellent art work created by the pupils at Scone’s Robert Douglas Memorial School.

The park and the halls were bedecked in bunting fit for the Queen.

The climax of the day was the children’s parade of the crowns which saw approximately 40 children show off their creations.

Karen Donaldson, secretary of Robert Douglas Memorial Institute Management Committee, said: “The community groups in attendance all had stalls offering a variety of entertainment and information showcasing their groups and encouraging membership.

“Scone had a day to remember and one that was certainly a fitting tribute to Her Majesty the Queen.”