Events being held in Borders to mark Queen's birthday

Gerald Maitland-Carew, lord-lieutenant of Roxburgh, Ettrick and Lauderdale, making him the Queen’s representative in the Borders, said: “It is wonderful that so many people are getting into the spirt of her majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations by hosting and attending local events.

“Scottish Borders Council has been extremely supportive of our local communities, providing grants and helpful advice.

“I hope as many people as possible take the opportunity to attend these events and enjoy themselves.”

Among the events planned on Sunday are celebrations in Hawick’s Wilton Park, from 2pm, including a pipe band, other entertainers, stalls and face-painting.

At Lauder, from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, there will be music, a bouncy castle, dog show and pony rides in front of Thirlstane Castle, Captain Maitland-Carew’s home, and further music and a quiz afterwards in Lauder Public Hall.

At Bonchester Bridge, there will be a hog roast, children’s games, tug-of-war and hat, fancy-dress competition and birthday cake competitions at the Horse and Hound pub.

Jedburgh will host a street party and children’s games in Hartrigge Park from 2pm to 4pm.

A family fun day, with music, will be held at Selkirk’s cricket pitch, and at Galashiels, there will be a planting of commemorative tree in Bank Street

On top of that, five Kelso women – Margaret Riddell, Mary Hall, Lilian Meadows, Carol Morrison, and Kathleen Brown – will be among those heading south for birthday celebrations at the Mall in London on Sunday.

The Queen’s official birthday comes two months after her actual birthday on Thursday, April 21.