News / Isles turn red, white and blue
SHETLAND joined the rest of the country to celebrate the Queen’s diamond jubilee this week with
bonfires and parties held the length and breadth of the isles.
On Monday night around 200 people gathered at the Saxa Vord hill on Unst to light the only official beacon at 10.28pm to form part of the global celebration that culminated at Buckingham Palace in London.
Fires and parties were held throughout the isles from Fair Isle to Baltasound, Walls to Whalsay.
Pat Burns, of the UnstFest committee who organised the official beacon on behalf of the community council, said their event started with an English pub theme at the Saxa Vord resort.
Musical entertainment was provided by resident jazz band NeWt in the isles this week preparing for the weekend jazz festival accompanied by local singer Jennifer McCormack.
“We had a jubilee quiz and raffle and then we were all bussed up the hill where the Uyeasound guizer jarl Tommy Strachan and the Norwick jarl John Inkster lit the official beacon. We had a huge bonfire and the local fire brigade coordinated a firework display,” Ms Burns said.
Lord Lieutenant Bobby Hunter dressed in full regalia for three “official” engagements in his role as the Queen’s representative on the isles.
On Saturday he opened the Shetland Classic Motor Show, on Sunday he attended a jubilee lunch date with uniformed youth groups at Sound public hall, and on Tuesday he delighted the 15 children at Nesting primary when he presented each with a commemorative coin.
Nesting head teacher Kate Coutts said every pupil had voluntarily given up their holiday to attend the school dressed in red, white and blue clothes to enjoy a red, white and blue and visit local old folk who were set a quiz on the queen and given jubilee sweeties.
Bobby Hunter said he had heard of at least eight community parties and fire around Shetland.
“I felt the local celebrations were much more than I imagined they would be. Lots of people got involved and I am delighted to see that,” he said.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.