CELEBRATIONS marking the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee are taking place the length and breadth of East Lothian.

Beacons will be lit along the county’s coastline, with parties in parks also planned to mark 70 years since Queen Elizabeth II took to the throne.

Roderick Urquhart, Lord Lieutenant for East Lothian, was looking forward to the events.

He said: “We have, of course, national celebrations to mark the jubilee being held between June 2 and 5.

“[There are] local community celebrations, including the Big Jubilee Lunch on June 5, where it brings the jubilee celebrations into the heart of every community.

“I would encourage communities to get together to mark the occasion and more information is available at eastloth ianlieutenancy.co.uk”

The Queen appoints a personal representative to assist her and members of the Royal Family in each county or geographical area across the UK.

Mr Urquhart, who lives at Samuelston, near Haddington, was appointed to the role of Lord Lieutenant for East Lothian in March last year as he succeeded Michael Williams.

The fourth generation of his family to work for family law firm Urquharts in Edinburgh, he retired at the end of March last year.

Mr Urquhart described Mr Williams as “an excellent and inspirational Lord Lieutenant, who gave very generously of his time”.

He added: “He was a wonderful source of encouragement and support to many.

“The Covid lockdown and restrictions rather frustrated his last year in office, before he retired.

“However, he handed over the Lieutenancy in good shape, and with a committed team of Deputy Lieutenants appointed to represent the various geographical parts of East Lothian.”

Coronavirus restrictions have since eased, with celebrations being planned throughout 2022 and beyond to mark the jubilee.

One of the initiatives is the Queen’s Green Canopy (QGC), where everyone is encouraged to plant a tree for the jubilee.

Thousands of trees will be planted across the country.

Already in East Lothian, trees have been planted in places including Leuchie House, near North Berwick; Aberlady; and Torness Power Station, near Dunbar.

Mr Urquhart encouraged people to sign up and take part.

He said: “Everyone is being encouraged to plant a tree for the jubilee.

“This will create a network of individual trees, avenues, copses and whole woodlands in honour of the Queen’s service and the legacy she has built.

“The Lieutenancy here in East Lothian, led by Sir Hew Dalrymple, Deputy Lieutenant, has put a lot of work into promoting this excellent initiative.

“Working closely with Mike Foy, the tree officer at East Lothian Council, and his excellent team, a number of initiatives have been identified, including some trees having already been planted, including six at various schools, with another six to be planted in the next planting season, which is October 2022 to March 2023.

“A QGC appeal has been launched by the Lieutenancy in East Lothian, with a target of £70,000, to be applied primarily for planting trees in public spaces for public benefit, and in suitable, prominent positions.

“The appeal has recently passed its halfway mark, but further donations are sought.

“Those wishing to make a donation for tree planting in East Lothian can do so by donating through Tree Time, run by the local charity Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust. To donate, see tree-time.com”

Beyond the celebrations, Mr Urquhart was anticipating it would continue to be a busy year.

He added: “It will continue to be a busy time for the East Lothian Lieutenancy this year, especially with the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

“The Lord Lieutenant and all Deputy Lieutenants are all very willing and committed to providing all the advice and support that they can, and are always happy to help and liaise with individuals, charities, voluntary organisations and businesses across the county.”