Coronation celebrations
Ardchattan’s coronation celebrations were set in stone, writes Kathie Griffiths.
A commemorative granite stone donated by Breedon Bonawe Quarry has been set in Benderloch with decorative flower tubs as part of a right royal project led by the community council.
Former ward councillor Elaine Robertson will have the honour of officially unveiling it later this month.
A temporary coronation tree decorated with red, white and blue ribbons also popped up at the weekend and thanks to lottery funding, youngsters from Lochnell and Barcaldine Primary Schools and residents of Etive Houses were all treated to ice cream.
Ardchattan Community Council vice-convener DJ Barr said: “Thanks to everyone who helped make our celebrations happen. We got lots of positive feedback and the ice cream was a treat!”
Children, parents and staff at Oban’s 1st Steps Day Nursery celebrated King Charles III’s coronation with a tea party and by making their own
crowns out of paper plates.
Mull also had a part to play in the coronation when 27-year-old Coldstream Guard Lachlan de Klee, who is from the island, carried the King’s Colour as his regiment marched in the grand procession in front of the King.
Lachlan was keeping his ceremonial duty in the family. His maternal ancestor, John Leslie, carried the Sword of State at the coronation of Charles II in 1660.
More recently, his grandfather, who had impressive career with the Scots Guards through the Second World
War and founded G Squadron SAS, was on parade at the coronation of the late Queen in 1953.
His great grandfather, who was Silver Stick in Waiting to Edward VIII and responsible for the monarch’s safety, took part in the coronation of King George VI in 1937.
“Carrying the King’s Colour is the greatest honour, it’s the beating heart of the regiment,” said Lachlan, who had to do lots of working out in the gym to carry it because it was so heavy. He added it was “a huge responsibility but an even bigger privilege”.