Coronation marked by beacon-lighting ceremony at John O'Groats
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The King's coronation was marked at John O'Groats by a beacon-lighting ceremony – keeping up a tradition that dates back to Victorian times.
Local residents were joined by tourists as retired local postmistress Nellie Manson and her daughter Fiona Harper did the honours on Monday night, just as they had done at the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee event last summer.
Nellie's late husband Sandy, who was a veteran of the Arctic convoys during World War II, had lit previous beacons using the same torch poles. They have inscriptions dating back to the 19th century and have been used for successive coronations and jubilees.
A procession took place from the John O'Groats signpost to the forge at the craft village, led by piper Lewis MacLeod. Flag-bearer Kyle Manson was followed by Henry Gunn, from the local branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and Willie Watt, Vice-Lieutenant of the county, along with Fiona, who is the current postmistress and torch custodian.
Mr Watt lit the beacon along with Nellie, assisted by Fiona.
The introductions were made by Walter Mowat, chairman of John O'Groats Development Trust.
Mr Mowat explained afterwards: “The first time poles were used was at Queen Victoria's 60th jubilee in 1897 and they've been used ever since at any bonfire.
"John O'Groats has always had a tradition of having a bonfire, either at a coronation or at a jubilee, and these poles were always used to light those bonfires.
"It was just a lighting of the forge which is by the old wishing well, about 100 yards away from the signpost."
Jack Simpson played accordion, while the rain led to a display by the Violet Leitch School of Dancing being moved indoors to Café Groats.
Regarding the weather, Mr Mowat said: "It wasn't ideal. It was heavy rain beforehand but it eased off and wasn't too bad. Most people had umbrellas and we managed okay."
The event went down well with tourists.
Mr Mowat said: "A guy from Wolverhampton came and shook my hand and said it was lovely, and they really enjoyed the whole thing."
A couple from Australia who also attended the beacon-lighting made a point of thanking Mr Mowat as they went to catch the John O'Groats ferry on Tuesday morning.
He said: "The lady was so delighted as she hadn't heard any pipers or seen any dancing in Scotland and this was her first opportunity – she was so delighted to have seen both at John O'Groats on Monday night."
