Events in Scotland to mark Queen's Diamond Jubilee

Residents in Blair Atholl were among those preparing to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee

The Queen's Diamond Jubilee is being marked with celebrations and events across Scotland.

A 21-gun royal salute was fired at Edinburgh Castle at noon.

In Perth, which is hosting one of the largest celebrations, more than 1,000 people took part in a Kilt Run.

At least 31 street parties have been approved by Edinburgh City Council, as well as a live screening of the Jubilee Pageant on the Thames on Sunday.

Tourists at Edinburgh Castle, at the top of the Royal Mile, gathered to watch the royal salute which followed entertainment from a military brass band.

It marked the anniversary of the Queen's coronation and was carried out by 105 Regiment Royal Artillery.

Lt Col James Cook said: "The regiment is honoured to be firing a 21-gun royal salute today, as the nation celebrates Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee.

"It provides a great occasion for the gunners to display their professionalism and pride in conducting such an honour in Scotland's capital city."

The Jubilee Pageant will be shown on a big screen in Festival Square in Edinburgh on Sunday.

The jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace on Monday will also be shown on the big screen, with seating and special lighting effects provided.

The capital is understood to have had a third of all of Scotland's street party applications.

A council spokesman said more than 30 road-closure applications had been received.

The Royal Yacht Britannia is honouring the Queen's 60th year on the throne with a weekend of celebrations, including entertainment, cake and flags being given out.

Britannia's royal barge will act as an escort boat in the Diamond Jubilee Pageant on the Thames.

In Perth, celebrations on Saturday began with a parade of pipers across the River Tay.

Civic leaders said the Jubilee events were a chance to say thank you to the Queen for restoring city status.

Cllr Elizabeth Grant, Provost of Perth and Kinross, said: "It is a double celebration for us because it is the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and she has very kindly granted us city status.

"So it's a wonderful opportunity to have a party, and we Scots like a party."

Crowds gathered for picnics and proms and more than 1,000 people took part in an 8km Kilt Run.

They were attempting to beat the record for the world's biggest ever kilted-race, set by its Canadian twin town of Perth, Ontario, of 1,089 runners. However, the fell short by 16 runners.

<bold>Six outfits</bold>

On Sunday, on Britain's most northern island, Unst, in Shetland, a beacon will be lit, which has been done every year for the Jubilee since the Queen's coronation.

A small ceremony will be held in Saxa Vord prior to the beacon being lit.

The Shetland Museum is also planning to put on an exhibition based around the three visits made by the Queen to Shetland during her reign.

The Lord Provost's Youth Parade in Dundee will see Girl Guides, army and sea cadets and other young people marching from Dundee High School to City Square, where entertainment will be provided on stage.

Glamis Castle, in Angus, has an exhibition running until the end of October, which features six outfits worn by the Queen, one for each decade of her reign.

All of the dresses are said to reflect the diamond theme and have been worn by the Queen during state visits and royal tours.

Stirling Castle was stepping back in time to the royal court of the 16th Century to mark the jubilee.

The castle, which has been party to a number of royal celebrations over the years including the coronations of King James V and his daughter Mary, Queen of Scots, said activities included sword-fighting and displays of fashions of the time.

In Dumfries and Galloway a range of events were being held, including a royal exhibition at Kirkcudbright Town Hall, while on Sunday street parties will be held in Church Road, Kirkcolm, Main Street, Sandhead and High Street in Dalbeattie.

A jubilee party is to be held in Aberdeen's Duthie Park on Sunday, showcasing local community performers.

A 21-gun royal salute was fired at Edinburgh Castle to mark the anniversary of the Queen's coronation

Solo artists, musical theatre, bands, pianists and guitarists have been selected to perform at the event.

It will continue with the premiere of the Aberdeen Anthem, which has been gifted to the city by professor in composition Paul Mealor at University of Aberdeen, to mark the Diamond Jubilee.

Glasgow City Council said seven road closures have been granted for street parties to be held.

Jubilee events at Sloans Bar and Restaurant in the city centre include barbecues, as well as a tea party on Sunday.

A town-centre street party is to be held on the extra bank holiday on Tuesday by the Kings Coffee and Books store in Queensberry Street, Dumfries.

Licences have been granted to hold parties in Thurso, Highlands, including one on the beach, while a jubilee tea party has been organised at the village hall in Durness.

The Wick Diamond Jubilee HarbourFest will crown its own queen, followed by a procession to the harbour led by the Wick Pipe Band.

Are you celebrating the Jubilee? Send us your pictures to: [e-mail]