Mary, Queen of Scots celebrated on Royal Mail stamps

SHE is Scotland's most famous queen, renowned for her great beauty and her dramatic life and death.

Now, more than 400 years after her execution, Mary, Queen of Scots is to appear on a Royal Mail stamp for the first time. Archaeologist and television historian Neil Oliver unveiled the landmark stamp at Stirling Castle, the historical home of the Stewart monarchs.

The Mary, Queen of Scots stamp is part of a series celebrating the history of the Stewart kings and queens who ruled Scotland from 1406 until 1603 and the Union of the Crowns with England. The stamps will be available for sale from today.

The House of Stewart stamp edition features portraits of James I, II, III, IV, V and IV&I as well as Scotland's most famous queen.

Oliver was pictured bringing the Stewart monarchs together around the throne table in the Great Hall at Stirling Castle, where they all spent time during their reigns.

The royal palace at the castle was built by Mary, Queen of Scots' father, King James V.