A FREE smartphone app celebrating The Queen’s reign in Scotland will be among a series of events and initiatives launched by the Scottish Government to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee this summer, First Minister Alex Salmond announced today.
As the Jubilee was marked by a Royal military march in Edinburgh, attended by the Duke of Rothesay, the First Minister said people in Scotland would use the event to mark the outstanding service of their Monarch, as well as celebrating Scotland’s history, people and technology over the past six decades.
The First Minister, who observed the military march past on the Royal Mile, revealed the Scottish Government would unveil a free smartphone app commemorating The Queen in Scotland in time for the Jubilee weekend to help people in Scotland and visitors learn more about significant Scottish milestones and locations in Her Majesty’s reign.
He also announced that further gifts and events would be unveiled in the weeks to come, including a donation to an appropriate Scottish charity in The Queen’s name, and a series of exciting events and initiatives across the country throughout the summer, all to mark the Diamond Jubilee.
As well as a programme being run by the Palace and local authorities, the Scottish Parliament will host a special debate marking The Queen’s reign later this month and Historic Scotland will run ticket offers across the Jubilee weekend itself, encouraging Scots and visitors to Scotland to visit Royal buildings during the celebrations.
The First Minister said: “The Queen has given Scotland 60 years of unparalleled service, and Her Majesty’s affection for this country is reciprocated by Scots of all generations who appreciate the distinction and grace with which She has performed her duties.
“The official celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee will therefore present a fine opportunity for all here in Scotland to celebrate the Queen’s reign and reflect on Her Majesty’s hard work and achievements while marking this outstanding service.
“To help celebrate this remarkable achievement, I am delighted to announce that the Scottish Government and our agencies will play a full part in the celebrations with a series of events and initiatives helping to offer a fitting celebration of The Queen’s reign.
“In line with The Queen’s wishes, all of the initiatives will be low cost and celebrate the contribution that individuals make to their communities.
“Each of the events will mark a sincere expression of the warmth of the people of Scotland towards The Queen, and will celebrate Scotland’s history, people and technology as apt touchstones of Her 60 years on the throne.
“Among the initiatives, a smartphone app will help commemorate the Jubilee, by recalling significant milestones of The Queen’s reign. It will be an exciting, modern testament to Her Majesty, celebrating the best of Scottish technology while at the same time looking back over the past 60 years.”
