Wherever you looked, from Balmoral and Braemar to Oldmeldrum and Oyne, there were parties and patriotic celebrations across the north east at the weekend.
Streets, village squares and historic estates were among the myriad sites packed to the brim as the region celebrated the Queen’s 90th birthday.
The sun was shining in Oldmeldrum as around 400 people attended a tea party in the heart of the community, with attendees dressing up in regal headwear.
The village centre was draped red, white and blue with bunting adorning shop fronts as the event was hailed a “fantastic” success.
Oldmeldrum Square was closed to traffic to allow for the 90th birthday celebrations to take place, whilst the party included a “patriotic headwear” competition.
Music was provided by the Rococo Quartet.
The event was the brainchild of Aberdeenshire deputy lieutenant, Sandy Manson, who was prompted to host a celebration to mark the occasion by lord lieutenant, James Ingleby.
Last night Mr Manson said: “What an incredible day, it was packed. We thought the most ambitious venue was the village square itself.
“There was 330 people and local helpers bringing it closer to 400 people in the square. It was a massive tea party.
“We had a wonderful birthday party for Her Majesty’s 90th and the most incredible support. I think it is recognition of how highly regarded Her Majesty is and how people are fond of her here.
“I think we in Aberdeenshire know there is a special connection.
“I was really so overwhelmed by the support and the enthusiasm of the community. All the community groups pulled together.
“We had a table full of 90-year-old-plus residents of the village, they were our VIP guests.
“The way people dressed up, the hats, the whole support – it was just wonderful.”
Money from the event will be filtered back to the Meldrum, Bourtie and Daviot Community Council and the surrounding area.
Elsewhere, Kincardine Castle’s Blooming Great Day Out, also a celebration of the Queen’s 90th, raised roughly £5,000 for three charities – Children 1st, Kincardine O’Neil Hall and Scotland’s Gardens.
The grounds of the 18th-century castle in Kincardine O’Neil were packed with people who enjoyed teddy bear picnics and the popular laburnum walk.
Castle owner, Nicky Bradford, said: “It has gone absolutely brilliantly. A huge number of people came and the charities did exceptionally well.
“Everyone was blown away, it was a great success, and there was a lot of union jacks and bunting.”
