The Diamond Jubilee in Scotland
Monday 23, April 2012
This summer Scotland is well equipped with a number of surprising events to help Her Majesty the Queen celebrate her 60 years on the throne.
Whether you would like to toast the diamond event with a champagne afternoon tea, be transported to the 1950s, or replicate Her royal fashion there is an array of unique and exciting events to cater for all ages.
Ballgowns with a Diamond Theme
April - July 2012
Balmoral Castle, Ballater, Aberdeenshire
Described by Queen Victoria as “my dear paradise in the Highlands”, an exhibition of the Queen’s very own ballgowns with a diamond theme will be displayed in the Castle Ballroom, whilst images depicting Her Majesty’s fondness of horses can be viewed in the stables.
Treasures from The Queen’s Palaces
Now - 04 November 2012
The Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
An exhibition of spectacular treasures from the Royal Collection is on display at The Queen’s Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The exhibition will only be shown in Scotland and this is the first time that these incredible items have been brought together. The selection of 100 outstanding works has been made across the entire breadth of the Royal Collection, from nine royal residences and more than five centuries of collecting, and includes paintings, drawings, miniatures, watercolours, manuscripts, furniture, sculpture, ceramics and jewellery.
Castle of Mey: photography exhibition & new rose garden
From 01 May 2012
Castle of Mey, Thurso, Highlands
Known for its gardens which were loved by The Queen Mother and Prince Charles, Castle of Mey has created a new rose garden with roses chosen by Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay, which will be open to the public as part of Diamond Jubilee celebrations at the castle.The Chauffeur's Cottage at Castle of Mey will house an exhibition to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee and to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the death of The Queen Mother. The exhibition will feature some never- before-seen photographs of The Queen Mother in Caithness and of The Queen, as well as the robes and chairs used by the Earl and Countess of Caithness at the 1953 coronation.
The Royal Yacht Britannia’s Jubilee Celebrations
14 - 18 May 2012
The Royal Yacht Britannia, Edinburgh
90 of The Queen’s former Royal Yachtsmen, the “Yotties”, will return to Britannia for their annual reunion to host a week of Jubilee celebrations.The focal point will be a ‘street party’ style celebration on the quayside. The whole area will be decorated with picnic tables, bunting and flags. There will be a selection of stalls, with food and drink and a programme of entertainment all week. The Royal Barge and Escort Boats will be doing trials in the harbour during this week too.
Gala Event, Glamis Gathering and Diamond Jubilee Exhibition
20 May; 04 - 05 June and 20 August 2012
Glamis Castle, By Forfar, Angus
The impressive Glamis Castle grounds will be the home of both the Glamis Gathering and The Gala Event which will demonstrate the array of local talent from all Angus burghs. Having attracted 15,000 members of the public for the Golden Jubilee in 2002 it is sure to be a popular event. The 04-05 June sees the castle hosting a Diamond Hunt and vintage cars exhibition whilst Jubilee celebrations will return for The Prom at Glamis on the 20 August with Scotland’s leading orchestra, the RSNO.
The King’s New Clothes
02 - 03 June 2012
Stirling Castle, Stirling
Over the Diamond Jubilee weekend Stirling Castle will be celebrating just as the Royal Court would have done hundreds of years ago. The Royal Court will put on a series of entertaining presentations on Renassance style in the splendour of Stirling Castle and recently restored Stirling Palace – including one on the ‘King’s trousers’.
Diamond Jubilee Garden Party Strawberry Teas
02 June 2012
Brodie Castle, Forres, Moray
Enjoy a strawberry tea to the sound of The Truly Terrible Orchestra and Tony Baxter who will provide a relaxing afternoon of entertainment with renditions of patriotic pieces and popular hits. Children can design their own crown and transform to royalty at the crafts table.
1950s Jubilee Party and Afternoon Tea
04 June 2012
The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum, Alloway, Ayr
A retro Jubilee party to remember as the museum gardens are transformed into the 1950s with celebrations to include cookery demonstrations alongside a King and Queen costume competition for all to compete in. Royal family-friendly fun.
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Beacons
04 June 2012
The Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh & Inveraray Castle, Inveraray
To witness the lighting of these beacons will be a striking site. Two iconic Scottish locations - the Church Tower of the Palace of Holyrood House and Dun na Cuaiche monument within Inveraray Castle’s estate -will be participating, alongside various venues across the UK, in the lighting of thousands of beacons to commemorate the Her Majesty’s duties as both Queen and the head of the Commonwealth.
www.diamondjubileebeacons.co.uk
Leonardo drawings by Leonardo da Vinci: A Diamond Jubilee Celebration
31 August - 04 November 2012
The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery & Museum, Dundee
The McManus will be the only venue in Scotland to display ten of Leonardo da Vinci’s finest drawings from the Royal Collection during their tour of five venues across the UK. The drawings demonstrate Leonardo da Vinci’s incredible range of interests and skills, from painting and sculpture to botany and map making.
Braemar Highland Games
01 September 2012
Braemar, Aberdeenshire
Spend a day soaking up the Scottish culture by taking in traditional games ranging from tossing the caber to Scottish Highland dancing competitions. With beautiful Scottish scenery providing the setting, the Braemar Highland Games have been traditionally attended by the Royal Family themselves and this is a must see on any visit to Scotland.
The Queen: 60 Photographs for 60 Years
November 2012 onwards
Palace of Holyrood House, Edinburgh
An incredible collection of 60 images capturing both official appearances and relaxed family occasions from the past six decades will be on display at the palace, offering a wonderful chance to see remarkable candid moments from the Queen’s reign.
Royal Whisky Tour at Royal Lochnagar Distillery
Monday to Saturday from 11am
Royal Lochnagar Distillery, Balmoral, Aberdeenshire
At Royal Lochnagar Distillery, on the edge of The Queen’s Balmoral Estate, try the Royal Whisky Tour. Begin the visit with coffee and shortbread before an extensive visit of the distillery is rounded off nicely with a tasting of Royal Lochnagar’s very own whiskies from its collection.
www.discovering-distilleries.com
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