Message from the Queen as Castle guests attend birthday bash

Lady Clare
Lady Clare Russell welcomes one of her guests at Ballindalloch Castle on Saturday (pic: Facebook)

BALLINDALLOCH CASTLE WAS the latest venue for Moray’s celebrations of the Queen’s 90th Birthday as hundreds arrived at the Speyside estate.

The Lord Lieutenant of Banffshire, Lady Clare Russell, hosted a tea party on the historic grounds of the Castle on Saturday for what was described as an “amazing and wonderful” afternoon.

Over 200 guests attended – with well over half of those themselves aged 90 or over.

“When I went into the Marquee and saw everyone, I actually felt quite moved,” Mrs Russell said of the gathering, adding: “They all thoroughly enjoyed themselves – it was a historic occasion and certainly a one-off.”

A special birthday cake was cut jointly by a 105-year-old lady from Buckie and Mrs Russell’s five-year-old granddaughter, while entertainment was provided by the Kinloss Military Wives Choir who encouraged a singalong of WWII favourites.

Youngsters from Portgordon Primary School were also on hand to help with keeping the guest entertained while the Buckie Boys Brigade volunteered their time as escorts for the more elderly guests.

Mrs Russell read out a letter from the Queen expressing her wish that everyone enjoy the celebration.