School pays tribute on the waves to sailor prince
Young sailors at the Duke of Edinburgh’s former school in Moray led Scotland’s tributes on the day of his funeral by laying a wreath at sea in his memory.
Pupils aboard Gordonstoun’s 80ft sail training boat laid the wreath off the coast of Hopeman Harbour where Prince Philip learned to sail.
On the shore, a lone piper played Flowers Of The Forest while displaying the Duke of Edinburgh’s coat of arms on a banner presented to the Gordonstoun Pipe Band by the Queen two years ago. Newly released images showed Prince Philip in 1937, aged 15, at the helm of one of Gordonstoun’s boats.
His much-loved schooldays at the exclusive boarding school inspired him to start his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme.
School principal Lisa Kerr said: “Throughout the whole of the last week we have had the opportunity to reflect on how proud we are in shaping what was important to the duke.
“We can’t have large-scale gatherings at the moment but to be able to have a smaller tribute to him which is still an appropriate scale is great.
“For us to put together this tribute felt like the right thing to do in these circumstances – it represents his love of the Moray Firth, Hopeman Harbour and Gordonstoun.”
Elsewhere, a gun salute at Edinburgh Castle marked the beginning and end of the national pause for reflection at 3pm.
Nicola Sturgeon observed the minute’s silence on the steps of Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence.
After the funeral, Sturgeon said: “On behalf of the people of Scotland, I once again express my deepest condolences to Her Majesty The Queen and members of the royal family.
“The many tributes paid to The Duke of Edinburgh in recent days have shown the depth of his contribution to public life over more than 70 years as well as his long-standing ties to Scotland.
“Many have reflected on his distinguished wartime record, his commitment to countless charities and organisations, and his love and support for The Queen throughout their marriage.
“Today, as The Queen and the royal family mourn the death of a loved one, we celebrate and honour an extraordinary life.”
The Royal Standard was raised at the top of Ben Nevis by members of the Outward Bound Trust to mark the duke’s support of the charity. In Aberdeen, a beach sand artist created a large picture in tribute while veterans stood in remembrance.