Over the past few days I have had the pleasure of attending a number of Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in Shotts and Harthill.

On Monday I visited the residents of Mornay Way sheltered housing complex with Provost Jim Robertson and Deputy Lord Lieutenant Helen Russell for their Jubilee tea party before going to the Garden Party organised by the Shotts Congregational Church and attended by all of the local churches.

Harthill Senior Citizens Centre was the venue for Tuesday’s festivities, where many turned out to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee and were dressed for the occasion! 

Today I sampled the Shotts Healthy Living Centre’s special Diamond Jubilee Menu.

I really enjoyed visiting these wonderful community events.  It was great to see people of all ages out celebrating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which has brought our communities together in a unique way.

The residents of Mornay Way sheltered housing complex had decorated the meeting room and the new garden with flags, balloons and bunting. They clearly hold Her Majesty in very high regard and I was proud to be able to make the official toast to the Queen.

My next visit was to the wonderful garden party arranged by the Shotts Congregational Church.  It was great to see members of all the local churches coming together to celebrate the Queen’s long reign.  I was very impressed by the effort that people had made to dress for the occasion. 

It was excellent to visit Harthill with new Deputy Lord Lieutenant Jan McLaughlin Mack.  Every effort had been made to mark the occasion, both in the Centre and throughout Harthill with red, white and blue as far as the eye could see. 

I’m sure all those who attended these brilliant events will agree that we should not wait until next Jubilee to have community parties such as these again!