Angus prepares for a royal weekend of Queen’s 90th events

The Lord Lieutenant of Angus has praised the area’s “amazing” response to a rallying call for local events to mark the Queen’s 90th birthday.

Dozens of gatherings are due to take place across the district, from small scale get-togethers to large events such as a celebratory lunch at Arbroath Town Mission which will be enjoyed by 120 people.

Earlier this year Lord Lieutenant Mrs Georgiana Osborne encouraged churches and local groups to consider arranging a lunch event or similar celebration, and the programme will see parties held in a variety of venues.

“I have been really delighted by the spread of events which have been organised and I think it is surely a reflection of the affection in which the Queen is held, and an appreciation of her unwavering commitment to a life of service over the past 64 years,” said Mrs Osborne.

Many events are planned for churches and church halls, nursing homes and village halls, but organisers of outdoor street parties will be hoping that the fine summer weather makes a weekend return.

They include a street party on Wellington Street, Montrose, from noon until 6pm on Saturday organised by Montrose British Legion with help from the town’s Rotary club, Borrowfield Community Group and Montrose Emergency Services, and Brechin’s Gardner Memorial Church will hold a Birthday Big Lunch at St Ninians Square on Sunday.

A number of schools have also set up parties and Brechin Youth Project is preparing for an open day celebration further ahead on Saturday June 18 involving all of the local care homes.

Glamis Castle will mark its royal connection with an early evening picnic in the grounds followed by ceilidh in the castle dining room for Glamis estate staff and residents, and on Saturday evening the lord lieutenant is hosting a Beating the Retreat which will be attended by representatives from charities and organisations across Angus.