Dundee’s streets were flooded with hundreds of well-wishers who turned out to see the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh as they embarked on a tour of the city.
Their first stop was the Michelin tyre factory, including the training school and workshop, where apprentices demonstrated electrical testing, cutting, welding, lathing, milling and a robot cage.
Next up was a trip to the waterfront, where the Queen officially opened the Slessor gardens amid cheers from the crowd.
Dundonians of all ages, as well as visitors from around the country, had gathered since the morning to bag a good viewing spot and were in high spirits as the monarch stopped to talk and accept flowers from local children.
Among those who got to see the Slessor Gardens opening ceremony were Catherine Lawson and Trudy Cunningham, from community group Bonnie Dundee.
Catherine said: “We have a garden within Slessor Gardens, which was funded by the Tesco Bags of Help scheme, and that’s why we got to sit close to the Royals.
“I didn’t think we would get so near, it was very exciting.
“I thought it was really lovely that the Queen took time to interact with the crowd and smiled at the children as they gave her flowers.”
The Royal party were also treated to a musical performance by a choir of pupils from various Dundee schools and enjoyed a martial arts demonstration.
As they made their way back to the car amid a flurry of Union flags and Saltires, crowds had already gathered at City Square in anticipation of a royal wave from the balcony of Dundee City Chambers, where the Queen and the Duke were due to have lunch.
A cheer went up as the Royals greeted the crowds, which stretched all the way down the High Street.
For more information, interviews and photos, see Thursday’s Courier.
