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| Thursday, 23 May, 2002, 19:30 GMT 20:30 UK Jubilee tour arrives in Scotland The Queen accepts flowers at Glasgow's George Square The Queen spent the first day of the Scottish leg of her Golden Jubilee tour in Glasgow before heading to Edinburgh on Thursday evening. She began her week-long visit north of the border by attending a ceremony of thanksgiving to commemorate her 50 years on the throne. The service at Glasgow Cathedral was attended by a number of figures from Scottish public life, including politicians and judges. Every faith was represented, including leaders of the Jewish and Muslim communities in Scotland and also representatives of the Buddhist and Russian Orthodox faiths.
A number of people with a royal connection - such as the Queen's chaplains and the Royal Company of Archers, the Sovereign's Bodyguard in Scotland - were also present at the service, along with 120 pupils from various schools in Glasgow. The Queen arrived for the service shortly before 1430 BST after making the journey from Glasgow Airport. Her cortege was cheered by a small crowd gathered outside the cathedral. The Queen and Prince Philip were met outside the cathedral by its minister, the Very Rev Dr William Morris, and the Reverend John Miller, the Moderator of the general assembly of the Church of Scotland. Following a fanfare of trumpets, her party entered the cathedral to the strains of the 100th psalm. In a ecumenical service, Rev Miller gave thanks to the long reign of the Queen. He described her as a "beacon of stability, a unifying influence" in a world of change.
After the 60-minute service the Queen headed for a walkabout in George Square. She was welcomed by a crowd of around 2,000 people who had lined the streets. There she was treated to parades and bands from representatives of the Armed Services and a fly-past, by three Tornado fighters from No 43 Squadron based at RAF Leuchars. Earlier, the Queen had toured a huge marquee in the square where she met people working for charitable organisations throughout Scotland. 21-gun salute She then travelled to Edinburgh, and received the keys to the Scottish capital from Lord Provost Eric Milligan at a ceremony at the Palace of Holyroodhouse. A 21-gun salute was fired from Edinburgh Castle to mark the occasion. The Queen will spend the next week carrying out official engagements across the country, meeting people from the Isle of Lewis to the Borders. She started her tour in Exeter on 1 May and by its completion will have visited about 60 towns in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. |
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