Each year, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh entertain around 8,000 guests from all walks of Scottish life at a Garden Party, in the spectacular grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which stands at the end of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile.

This year, Irene and James Heron, (pictured below) represented Contact the Elderly at the Garden Party. Irene is one of our longest standing drivers and hosts in the Angus 1 group.

The day began with a train journey from Montrose to Edinburgh, Waverley. Irene and James arrived in Edinburgh just after 11am and treated themselves to coffee and a light lunch in beautiful surroundings at the Dome Restaurant. They felt like royalty!

Then the most exciting part of the day, it was off to the fabulous Palace of Holyroodhouse to join all the other guests. Everyone walked through the lovely manicured gardens, thankful that the weather had been kind and it had turned into a lovely warm day. Entertainment was provided by regimental bands and The Royal Scottish Pipers Society, as the guests mingled in the marquees.

Irene said: “We feel privileged to have been a part of this celebration, during The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year. The atmosphere started to fill with anticipation at the expected arrival of The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. The Royal Company of Archers – The Queen’s official bodyguard when she is in Scotland – arrived and formed a huge circle, and everyone moved in behind them hoping to catch a glimpse of Her Majesty.”

At the end of the day, Irene and James admired the Palace buildings and grounds once again before catching a train back to Montrose.