People in Angus and the Mearns celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday in style.
Despite poor weather, there was a sea of red, white and blue in Montrose on Saturday when a street party took place to mark the milestone birthday.
The family fun day was organised by the Royal British Legion, Montrose Rotary Club, Montrose Emergency Services Group and the Borrowfield Community Group.
A barbecue, fun fair rides, an inflatable slide, face painting and stalls helped to foster a party atmosphere against a backdrop of Union Jack bunting.
There was also street entertainment from Aberdeen University Circus Society and performances from Montrose Town Band and special guests Sorella on the main stage.
The Great British Legion Bake Off saw imaginative creations whipped up in the categories of Victoria Sponge, Empire Biscuits and a Birthday Cake with Royal Icing.
St Andrew’s Church in Arbroath also celebrated with a strawberry tea followed by a performance from the RM Condor Military Wives Choir.
Later that evening Glamis Castle marked the monarch’s milestone with an evening picnic and ceilidh which was hosted by the 19th Earl of Strathmore, Simon Bowes Lyon.
Entertainment was provided by the Forfar Pipe Band and Sandra Wright Dancers before a ceilidh took place in the castle dining room with Scottish country dancing.
The Angus celebrations included a Beating the Retreat hosted by the county’s Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Georgiana Osborne on Saturday evening, attended by a large turnout representing every aspect of local life.
As well as her Deputy Lieutenants and predecessor Lord Airlie – who himself recently celebrated his 90th birthday – the gathering included local dignitaries, representatives of the emergency services, cadet forces and youth organisations.
Mrs Osborne also welcomed figures from organisations and charities across Angus, representatives from businesses which have been privileged to receive a Royal warrant and members of the groups recognised with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the UK’s highest accolade in the sector and a programme in which the district has a proud record.
On display in the event marquee were the 90th birthday cards created by pupils at Glamis primary for the monarch, including the one designed by nine-year-old Louisa Lyburn which was sent to Buckingham Palace carrying the good wishes of the people of Angus.
Mrs Osborne read a message of thanks from Her Majesty, before the gathered company shrugged off the Angus drizzle to enjoy the Beating Retreat by young musicians of the Angus and Dundee ACF and North East Wing ATC pipes and drums, and the Northern area Sea Cadet Band.
On Sunday the Royal celebrations continued with a party in Arbroath held by the Royal British Legion and a big lunch in St Ninian’s Square in Brechin.
The Brechin event was organised by the Gardner Memorial Church and included a Doppelganger with a lookalike of Her Majesty in attendance.
A community party was also held in the parish hall at St Vigeans in Arbroath where music was played from each of the Queen’s nine decades.
Lady Fiona Fraser added a dash of glamour to proceedings when she attended the celebrations in Arbirlot and Carmyllie.
The Queen was also in attendance – albeit a cardboard cut-out – during the big day which included a treasure trail and games in Carmyllie Hall.
Members of Colliston Church also celebrated yesterday with coffee, cake and shortbread after the normal service while East and Old Parish Church in Forfar held a buffet lunch.
There was also a princess party in Montrose Sports Centre with everyone dressed up as royalty.
