HAPPY 90TH TO THE QUEEN

We look back at her visits to Stirling

HM The Queen celebrated her 90th birthday yesterday.

And Stirling played its part in the national celebrations with the lighting of a beacon at Stirling Castle last night.

Stirling Provost Mike Robbins also took the Royal Gun Salute at the castle at noon.

The beacons were among 1200 which lit up across the country to mark the occasion.

And at a meeting of Stirling Council’s Community Planning and Regeneration Committee yesterday, acting chairman Councillor Martin Earl took the opportunity to send his good wishes at the start of proceedings, saying: “I’d like to wish Her Majesty a nice birthday. I hope you get lots of presents!”

Clackmannanshire also marked the occasion, lighting a beacon at The Nebit at a short service of celebration led by Provost Tina Murphy and Lord-Lieutenant Johnny Stewart, which included a personal message from HRH The Prince of Wales.

In her 90 years the Queen has paid several visits to Stirling, including one to Stirling Albion’s stadium at Annfield during her 25th Jubilee year in 1977.

In May 2002 she visited to formally award city status to Stirling as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations.

And in 2007 she braved the rain to help the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders mark 60 years of Her Majestry being their Colonel-in-Chief.

By then it was part of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The avid dog lover and racehorse owner paid particular attention to the Argylls’ mascot, Cruachan III, a Shetland pony.

The area again rolled out the red carpet in July 2011 when the Queen gave the royal seal of approval to two major local projects.

Accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, she unveiled a plaque at the new £300 million Forth Valley Royal Hospital in Larbert where she was given a tour and met staff and patients.

Her Majesty then went on to view the newly refurbished James V Palace at Stirling Castle and attended a private lunch after locals gave her a warm welcome on the castle esplanade.

As the only monarch ever to reach the grand age of 90 years, and still going strong, Stirling may well be able to look forward to more special visits from Her Majesty in the coming years.

Happy birthday, Ma’am!

Queen meets Cruachan III, mascot of Argylls, in July, 2007

Guard of honour Queen has been Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders for seven decades Mane man Welcome Lord Lieutenant, Lt-Col James Stirling, and the then Provost Tommy Brookes greet the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh at Stirling...

Still reigning Queen in Stirling in 2002 to confer city status Walkabout Queen Elizabeth in Bow Street, Stirling, during a visit in 1962 (Picture courtesy of the Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum)

Insight Queen’s visit to Stirling Castle’s Royal apartments in July, 2011