A Jubilee Garden will be planted in the grounds of Holyrood Palace as a permanent gift from the people of Scotland to The Queen on the occasion of her Diamond Jubilee, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.
The garden, which will be planted by Historic Scotland with help from horticulture apprentices, will be marked by a commemorative plinth that will be ready for The Queen’s forthcoming visit to Scotland for Royal Week in July. This latest initiative will form part of a series of gifts made to The Queen on behalf of the people of Scotland, beginning with the launch of a free app that will mix the traditional and modern, honouring the history of the Jubilee by using the very latest technology to bring The Queen’s reign in Scotland to a digital audience.
The First Minister made the announcement during a debate in the Scottish Parliament in which he praised the “dedication, impartiality and service” shown by The Queen throughout Her 60-year reign. Mr Salmond said the debate offered Parliament “the opportunity to place on record our respect, admiration and gratitude for Her service” during a reign in which The Queen had been “a particular friend to Scotland”.
During proceedings, the First Minister also announced that a donation of £50,000 will be made to Veterans Scotland in The Queen’s name to help the charity improve support to Scotland’s veterans community in this Jubilee year and beyond.
The gifts will form part of a full programme of events and initiatives being run across Scotland to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee, including a Queen of Scots smartphone app to help people in Scotland and tourists learn more about the history of the last 60 years.
The First Minister said:
“Over the six decades of The Queen’s reign, Scotland has altered dramatically and for the better. But one constant has been The Queen’s dedication, impartiality and service.
“The Queen has made very clear her preference that Her Jubilee celebrations should be of modest cost, and should celebrate the contribution that individuals make to their communities. This is what we have done, while encouraging as many people as possible to celebrate and enjoy the event.
“So let me announce our gifts – not from the Government, or, for that matter, the Parliament – but from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.
“Firstly, Historic Scotland has commissioned a commemorative garden at Holyrood Palace, which will be ready by the time of The Queen’s next visit in Royal Week in July. This will be a beautiful and lasting recognition of the Jubilee. Of course, we live in an age of new technology. We thought it important that our gifts to Her Majesty recognised that. We are launching a free app highlighting some of the most significant events of The Queen’s reign in Scotland. Finally, we recognise that The Queen, as Commander-in-Chief, has always had a special bond with those who serve and have served in the armed forces. We are therefore marking Her Jubilee by making a donation to Veterans Scotland – the organisation which co-ordinates and promotes the work of veterans’ charities – to further improve their support for Scotland’s veteran community.”
The First Minister added:
“The Queen has been an integral part of the modern history of our nation. She has performed Her duties flawlessly. The Scottish Parliament is grateful for Her support over the last 13 years and the Scottish people are grateful for her service over the last 60 years. It is an honour to ask the Parliament to place that gratitude on record today.”
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