The onwer of a sweet shop hopes to make a royal mint with the visit of a distinguished figure to the Mearns.
A portrait of the Queen, herself celebrating the 60th year since being crowned, is looking over wares at a Stonehaven store in its 90th year.
The jelly bean facsimile has begun its reign at Giulianotti’s sweet shop, and owner Marjory Stephen said the Queen is the third celebrity to come to town.
“We had hoped to have the Queen’s portrait last year during her diamond jubilee year, but there was great demand for the picture and it was not possible,” she said.
“Seeing as it is our own minor anniversary this year, we are really delighted to be able to welcome the Queen’s portrait here now.”
The picture shows the Queen at the beginning of her reign and has been loaned for three weeks by the English importers of the American Jelly Belly Beans.
Giulianotti’s Italian ice cream and sweet shop was established in 1899 and has been at 12 Evan Street for 90 years.
Even though the Queen could not attend due to more pressing engagements, her diamond jubilee year saw the confectionary incarnations of William and Kate visit, weighing in at more than 25 kilogrammes and made by artist Malcolm West.
“Last year we had a wonderful picture of William and Kate, and the year before that a 4ft Marilyn Monroe made out of beans.
“It’s a great attraction for customers of all ages, but children particularly enjoy seeing a huge picture of someone they know made out of sweeties.”
Giulianotti’s has organised a competition in which entrants have to guess how many of the beans it would take (end to end) to go from the sweet shop to Dunnottar Castle.
Entry is 50p a guess, and all monies raised will go to the roof garden fund at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. The competition will run until the end of the month.