Beacons lit to celebrate

Beacons were lit across Tayside and Fife on Thursday night as a weekend of Platinum Jubilee celebrations got under way.

Communities in Angus, Fife and Perth and Kinross gathered as towns and villages across the UK lit more than 2,000 beacons at the same time.

One of the main events was at Norrie Miller Walk in Perth, where Pipe Major Alistair Duthie of Perth and District Pipe Band began the ceremony with a rendition of Diu Regnare.

The tune was written by champion bagpiper Stuart Liddle in tribute to the Queen’s 70-year reign.

And it was played at a number of events up and down the country.

It was followed by a bugle call by Dave Arnott, of Perth Brass, to announce the lighting of the beacon at 9.45pm.

All the official beacon ceremonies ended with a performance of Song for the Commonwealth, also written to mark the prestigious occasion.

Meanwhile, at East Haven, Carnoustie and District Pipe Band was joined by a rather unusual royal guest as it heralded the lighting of the beacon.

A life-sized knitted version of the Queen, complete with crown and two corgis, was placed on the beach by Arbroath’s Woolly Workers as part of the ceremony.

And in Pittenweem, locals were joined by a piper as they enjoyed free burgers and home baking on the West Braes.

The beacon was lit by Isobel Bowman, 84, who has lived in Pittenweem all her life.

The lighting parade

Methil beacon was preceded by a

involving Methil

Sea Cadets, members of the armed forces and veterans.

And almost 20 more community beacons were lit across Tayside and Fife.

The events mark the start of four days of jubilee joy with schools and many work places closed until Tuesday

And instead, people are enjoying community picnics, fun days and street parties.

The Angus fun includes a street party in Letham and music at Glamis Castle.

In Fife, people celebrating their 70th birthdays this year enjoyed afternoon tea with Provost Jim Leishman.

And there are community events being held all over the region this weekend, including huge picnics in Dunfermline and Cupar.

Perth and Kinross is also hosting numerous celebrations, including a classic car rally and the first Perthshire Mela.

MAJESTIC: From top: Sandy McKendrick lights the East Haven beacon with Jean Ewart and the knitted tribute to the Queen; spectators keeping warm; Pipe Major Alistair Duthie in Perth; and Perth and Kinross choir get on song. Pictures by Gareth Jennings and Steve MacDougall.

Top: the Jubilee beacon being lit in Norrie Miller Walk, Perth, and above: Richard and Nicola Livingston celebrate with their daughter Pippa.

Top left: Isobel Bowman, 84, lights the beacon at West Braes, Pittenweem as locals turn out in force to celebrate. Pictures by Kenny Smith.