Crowds turned out to celebrate in Paisley as Renfrewshire lit a beacon to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee on Thursday 2 June.
Over 3,000 beacons were simultaneously lit across the United Kingdom, Isle of Man and Channel Islands, with many others lit in UK Overseas Territories and in Commonwealth counties in recognition of the Queen’s long and selfless service.
Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron and Queen’s Chaplin, Reverend Jim Gibson, welcomed guests to the service. At 9.35pm local piper, Peter McGeoch played ‘Dui Regnare’, a unique tune composed for the occasion.
At 9.40pm Audrey Paul announced the lighting with a specially written bugle call, entitled ‘Majesty’.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Renfrewshire, Colonel Peter McCarthy, lit the beacon at 9.45pm as the Paisley Abbey Choir sang ‘A Song for the Commonwealth’, conducted by George McPhee.
Colonel Peter McCarthy said: “It was an honour to light the beacon outside the historic Paisley Abbey to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
“Reaching 70 years of service as monarch is an incredible achievement and I was delighted that so many people came out to celebrate with us.
“I know there are many other celebrations taking place in the community over the weekend and I know just how much The Queen will be inspired by so many people taking part.”
Events are also taking place in the community across Renfrewshire this weekend, and residents can add both public and private events to the online map at https://platinumjubilee.gov.
Paisley Abbey will also be holding a service to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee at 11am on Sunday 5 June. All are welcome to attend.