Memorial benches unveiled at Macduff Harbour to mark 1961 royal visit
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TWO new memorial benches have been installed at Macduff Harbour to mark a royal tour of the Banffshire coast 60 years ago.
The benches were unveiled on Friday, September 24, to mark the arrival of the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on August 14, 1961, as they visited coastal communities in Banffshire.
The royal party disembarked the Royal Yacht Britannia and the royal launch brought them to Macduff Harbour.
There they were greeted in Macduff by various dignitaries including the then Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Sir George Abercrombie, and Provost Henry in front of one of the largest crowds ever seen in the village.
The royal couple went on to visit Banff, Portsoy, Cullen, Buckie then Fochabers, Elgin and Nairn.
The Macduff visit was brought to life in early August this year during the filming of Netflix hit "The Crown" at the harbour, when actress Imelda Staunton set sail from Macduff Harbour as scenes were shot for the fifth series.
The benches were donated by local fishing boat owners – one in memory of their parents.
After the unveiling, the Rev Hugh O’Brien, minister of Macduff Parish Church, dedicated the benches in prayer.
A number of people who were present in 1961 then spoke about their memories of that day – which included the Queen being gifted a box of fish.
Andrew Simpson, Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, was there to see the benches installed.
He said: "The visit by HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh to Macduff in 1961 was a significant event for the community.
"Those who were present on the occasion have clear recollection of the royal couple and one of the largest crowds ever seen in Macduff.
"Sixty years later, not least following the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, it is appropriate to provide a lasting memory of this important event in the history of the town.
"The benches will also allow both visitors and local residents to enjoy the surroundings with a view of the busy working harbour."
