Queen to get '˜birthday bench' from the people of Scotland

The 90th birthday present from the Scottish people features a rose, a Lion Rampant and stag’s head motif.

The bench has been hand-crafted by apprentice stonemasons from a single piece of Clarsach stone from Moray.

It also features wooden slats created from elm timber taken from the grounds of the Palace of Holyroodhouse, where First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will formally present the bench tomorrow.

Ms Sturgeon said: “On behalf of the people of Scotland I would like to personally send our warm wishes to Her Majesty on her 90th birthday.

“Last year we were fortunate to be able to celebrate with Her Majesty as she became the United Kingdom and Commonwealth’s longest serving monarch.

“It was clear the huge affection Her Majesty had for Scotland and the tremendous bond she has forged with people across our country over her many years of dedicated public service.

“Our present was specially designed with Her Majesty in mind and each carved element required many hours of focused concentration and advanced stonemasonry skills.

“I would like to join the thousands of people across the country toasting Her Majesty as her birthday celebrations continue during her annual visit during Royal Week in Scotland.”

The bench was commissioned by the Scottish Government and designed by its heritage agency. Historic Environment Scotland.

The elm timber came from a felled tree planted in the grounds of the palace under the direction of Prince Albert and Queen Victoria.

Head of conservation David Storrar said: “It was a huge privilege to be asked to help with making a gift on behalf of Scotland to Her Majesty and our staff were very excited to be involved.

“We are very fortunate to have the in-house skillset from across Scotland to produce this gift, from initial design at our Edinburgh headquarters, to stonemasonry works at our Elgin conservation centre, and the timber seating top, which was made at our St Anne’s Malting’s workshops beside Holyrood Palace. It was a real team effort and we’re delighted with the final product.”