Royal seal for city's Malawian tie celebrations

Princess Anne was today joining schoolchildren, medical staff and students for a celebration in Edinburgh of the people-to-people links between Scotland and Malawi.

The princess is co-president of the Scotland Malawi Partnership, which promotes links between the two countries now valued at 30 million a year. External Affairs Minister Fiona Hyslop said: "Six years on from the signing of the co-operation agreement, the special relationship goes from strength to strength. Since 2005, the Scottish Government has funded over 200 projects that are making a real difference, helping Malawians work their own way out of poverty."

This afternoon's event included a performance by Stenhouse Primary School choir.

The princess will today also be unveiling the Earl Haig Monument at its new home at Hospital Square in Edinburgh Castle. The move is part of the Tattoo's 16 million arena project, which is scheduled for delivery in August.

Tattoo managing director Richard Hambleton said: "We are delighted that the Princess Royal has so kindly agreed to attend this important ceremony."