New trees are being planted in schools across the county as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy.

The nationwide initiative was developed to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee and was due to end in December 2022. But following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, it was agreed that the project would continue until March 2023.

St Gabriel’s RC Primary School in Prestonpans gathered with Depute Lord Lieutenant Lyn Marshall on December 5 to plant a hornbeam tree in the school’s grounds.

The tree was planted by members of the pupil council, the chair of the school parent council and staff representatives.

Alex Buchanan, St Gabriel’s headteacher, said: “This was a lovely occasion for our school.

“Depute Lord Lieutenant Lynn Marshall spoke of the legacy that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has left all of us through her 70-year reign.

“The tree would be a reminder to all of us of Queen Elizabeth II and the importance of looking after nature and our planet which she championed.”

Knox Academy was joined by Provost John McMillan, Lord Lieutenant Roderick Urquhart and other invited guests for the planting of a hornbeam within the school’s grounds.

Representatives of the school’s houses from S1, and head pupils Lauren Clark and Oscar Pirie, took part in the occasion, reading a poem by E Dagmar, while S6 pupil Calum Donohoe played the bagpipes.

Sue Cook, headteacher, said: “More than a million trees have already been planted by people of all ages from Land’s End to John O’Groats. Today we will add our tree to the abundant canopy being created across the four corners of the country.

“The tree we are planting has been gifted to us along with charities, community groups and public organisations right across the country to say thank you to all who work tirelessly for their communities.”

At Loretto RC Primary School in Musselburgh, P7 pupils, the pupil council, house captains and a representative from the school’s parent council gathered on December 6 with Depute Lord Lieutenant Iain Clark to plant a hornbeam tree in the playground.

Margaret-Anne McBean, headteacher, said: “We were delighted to be planting a commemorative tree for the Queen’s Jubilee.

“Unfortunately, the planting was delayed due to weather and tree growing conditions so, although a little late, it was a nice way to remember Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee and her life.

“It was a real community event as the plaques were made by East Lothian secondary pupils in craft design and technology.”