Ayrshire residents are set to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee next month as events across the region are laid out.
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will celebrate 70 years on the throne on June 2 – the first British monarch to have a platinum jubilee.
And localised plans will see Ayrshire folks join in the celebrations to mark the slice of history.
North, East and South Ayrshire councils will each light at least one beacon, to join more than 1500 others throughout the UK and Commonwealth countries in recognition of the Queen’s long service.
The main beacon event in East Ayrshire is taking place at Dean Castle, Kilmarnock, while Irvine’s Harbourside is the location of choice for North Ayrshire.
Details for South Ayrshire’s beacon event are set to be announced in due course.
Tree planting has taken place across the region since last autumn, with each of the Masonic Lodges planting a memorial tree.
Beech Wood and Dundonald Wood in South Ayrshire’s Dundonald, and Merkland Wood in Isle of Arran’s Brodick Country Park have been selected to receive a special designation.
The designation of these woodlands is part of the Queens Green Canopy initiative, which reflects the enthusiasm and commitment of the Royal Family to the protection and conservation of the environment.
These initiatives will provide a lasting legacy for generations to come, as well as the added environmental benefits.
School meals and catering within some care settings will also boast a Jubilee ‘flavour’ around the weeks and days leading up to June 2.
Sheriff Iona McDonald OBE, Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, said: “I am amazed with the positive response that we have had during our consultation and the way that the Jubilee has caught the public imagination.
“I hope that all planned events are successful and that they bring our communities together after we have spent so much time apart due to Covid.
“I would encourage anyone who is not yet involved or is thinking about planning an event to have a look online at www.platinumjubilee.gov.uk where full details on how to become involved are available.
“The Lieutenancy will also be more than willing to assist wherever we can.”
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