Service in Banffshire will give thanks for life of The Queen
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A SERVICE of thanksgiving for the life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth is being held on Sunday.
The Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire Andrew Simpson has led the organisation of the service at 3pm in Banff Parish Church with the involvement and support of churches representing different denominations from across historic Banffshire.
The service will include readings and hymns known to be favourites of The Queen.
Taking part will be church leaders, representatives from Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils, a lone piper, the Deveron Singers and students from Banff Academy.
The Banffshire Lieutenancy stretches from Cullykhan to Portgordon and from the Moray Firth to Tomintoul. All are welcome to attend.
Before the service there will be a parade of Colours representing organisations with which The Queen had strong links – these include branches of the Royal British Legion Scotland, the Boys’ Brigade, the Scouting and GirlGuiding movements.
The parade will depart from Reidhaven Street in Banff at 2.30pm and head along Castle Street and High Street to St Mary’s Car Park.
Leading the parade will be the massed pipe bands of Banffshire made up of members from the Aberlour, Banff, Buckie, Keith and Portsoy bands.
This is the first time for many years that there has been a gathering of so many pipers marching through Banff. After the service, the parade will return along the High Street and the salute will be taken by Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, and Lt General Alistair Irwin, along with Cllr Ron McKail, Deputy Provost of Aberdeenshire and Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council.
Mr Simpson said: "For over 70 years, Her Majesty The Queen was a constant presence in the lives of all in this
country. Many people have particular memories of her life and the ways in which she touched the lives of others.
"There is little doubt that Banffshire and the whole North East of Scotland were dear to her heart. This service will be an opportunity for people to come together to remember and celebrate her life.
"All are welcome to join invited guests for an afternoon of thanksgiving and celebration of a life well lived."
