Community / Watch: hundreds in attendance as convener reads proclamation of king
SIC convener Andrea Manson said it was an ‘incredible honour’
A LARGE crowd gathered outside Lerwick Town Hall on Sunday afternoon to hear the proclamation of King Charles III’s accession to the throne.
The public message was read out in front of several hundreds by Shetland Islands Council convener Andrea Manson, who was joined by lord lieutenant Bobby Hunter.
Charles was confirmed as king at a ceremony in London on Saturday, but proclamations are being held across the country.
It comes after the Queen died peacefully aged 96 on Thursday.
Having reigned for 70 years, Sunday’s event at the Town Hall steps was for many people in attendance their first chance to witness a proclamation of its kind.
Speaking after the event, Manson said: “It was a huge honour. It’s tinged with sadness, because the Queen is no longer the Queen…but it’s an incredible honour to be asked to do something like that.
“It’s not something you expect to do.”
One of those in attendance was Sir John Scott, a former lord lieutenant of Shetland who was knighted by the Queen in 2011 in Buckingham Palace.
He said he met her a few times. “She always had that personal touch,” Scott said.
“When she tapped me on the shoulder with her sword, she said “is it snowing in Shetland?”
“She had that ability to have that suitable word for everyone she met, and I think it was a great gift.
“You don’t forgot something like that, and I think she is someone who I will always remember.”
At the reading Manson and Hunter were flanked by Shetland MSP Beatrice Wishart as well as representatives from organisations including from the council and the Church of Scotland.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
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.