Nairn proclamation of King Charles III attracts hundreds of people
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The citizens of Nairn turned out in large numbers for the proclamation of King Charles III on this afternoon.
More than 300 people gathered at the Queen's Remembrance Garden at the War Memorial in Cawdor Road to hear the proclamation read by the Nairn Provost Laurie Fraser culminating in three loud cheers of 'God Save The King' to the new sovereign.
Provost Fraser was accompanied by Lord Lieutenant George Asher and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Scott Gordon, Lord Cawdor and fellow Highland councillors.
It was a day of mixed emotions with the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Among those attending were Liz and Danny Bow, grandparents of Hamish Hey whose sad passing sparked an outpouring of support and affection culminating in the opening last year of the Nairn Splash Pad by the Duchess of Cornwall, who now takes the title of Queen Consort to the new King.
Mrs Bow said: "It's a fitting tribute to a wonderful Queen. I'm 72, so the Queen's reign began when I was two years old and she has been part of our lives for ever. I'm here to pay my respects for a life long lived. Her sense of duty will never be forgotten."
She added: "It hardly seems a year ago that the Duchess was here in Nairn opening the splash pad in memory of Hamish and his mum, our daughter, Susan. It was shortly after the opening it was announced that she was to become the Queen Consort after the Queen's passing. I am sure she and the new King will fulfil their duties with and ensure the continuity of the monarchy."
Of a different generation but there to pay their respects were 19-year-old Holly Pearce. from London. and her partner William Campbell (22). from Nairn.
"A lot of people perhaps don't realise how much she did for the country and sacrifices she made for us," Holly said.
William, who is a president of the Highlands and Islands Students Association, said: "You can see here today the respect there was for the Queen. Princess Anne is Chancellor of the UHI and we are indebted to her mother for a lifetime of service."
Rosemary Samuel said: "I'm 84, so she has been my Queen all this time. She never put a foot wrong and we have been so fortunate. Her passing is deeply felt."
Ron (80) and Lyndsay (75) McDonnell, who retired to live in Nairn 10 years ago from their home in Worcester, recalled meeting the Queen during a Maundy Monday walkabout in 1980.
"We were on the High Street in Worcester when the Queen passed us and stopped to speak. My daughter Karrie (5) said her little brother James (3) gave her some flowers and she thanked them. My son just stood looking at the Queen with his mouth wide open. His sister said 'my brother is very shy' and the Queen just laughed.
"Both went on to serve in the RAF."
Veterans from the Royal British Legion were in attendance and laments and Scottish airs were played at the service by Pipe Major Richard Anderson, from Elgin, of the Queen's Own Highlanders' Association Pipe Band.
Local clergy were also in attendance at the service and the Rev Alison Mehigan, of Nairn Old Parish Church, invited 'people of all faiths and none' to join in a service to celebrate the life of the Queen at the church on September 25 at 3pm. "She will be sorely missed," she said.
