Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting

Saltcoats was chosen to represent Scotland in the live television broadcast of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon Lighting ceremonies, which took place throughout the United Kingdom. The ceremony took place on the pier of Saltcoats Harbour on 02 June 2022  and the beacon was lit at sunset by Councillor Jim Montgomerie, after he had been interviewed by the legendary Scottish Weather/Television presenter, Carol Kirkwood.

However, festivities started much earlier in the evening, with the arrival of Carol and the BBC Scotland film crew. An early spectator who claimed his spot and marked the boundary for all other spectators was Jimmy Miller (below), a previous Saltcoats Town Councillor. He was accompanied by a very happy-looking sovereign.

BBC Scotland's Carol Kirkwood meets RBL Veterans and Councillor Jim Montgomerie on Saltcoats Pier

Carol arrived early for rehearsals, and whilst the BBC Scotland film crew were setting up, she took the opportunity to meet the locals - especially veteran members of the local Royal British Legion and Councillor Jim Montgomerie.

Below: Having completed his part of the set up, a BBC Scotland cameraman takes a break before rehearsals.

Above: The BBC Scotland Crew ready and waiting for the live feed on national television whilst Carol Kirkwood talks to the school children; and (below) as a background to the interview and lighting ceremony, music was provided by a Scottish Pipe Band and traditional Highland Dancing by Rachel Ferrie.

Above: Councillor Jim Montgomerie being interviewed by Carol Kirkwood and Below: There was a festive vibe to the occasion and the crowd were clearly enjoying themselves. Everyone looked forward to sunset and the lighting of the Queen's Platinum Jubilee Beacon.

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Councillor Jim Montgomerie lights the Platinum Jubilee Beacon in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire

Below: Councillor Jim Montgomerie lights the beacon

Above: The Tartan worn by Rachel Ferrie is the Saltcoats Tartan - the blue of the sea, the beige of the sand, the black of the coal, the white of the salt and red for the sun combined with a deep and rich purple, the traditional colour of Scotland.  It was registered in 2001 and was produced in conjunction with Baxters Jewellers (Saltcoats).