School’s Royal honour
PUPILS and staff from Clydeview Academy are set to fly the flag for Inverclyde by playing a starring role when King Charles receives the Honours of Scotland.
Head girl Ailsa Russell, head boy Callum Charteris, head teacher Craig Gibson, and principal teacher of music Alan Beck have all been invited to take part in the People’s Procession in Edinburgh tomorrow, Wednesday 5 July 2023.
Clydeview is one of only two schools in Scotland to be invited to take part.
The parade will be followed by a national service of thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral when newly-crowned King Charles will be presented with the Honours of Scotland – the country’s crown jewels which are usually on display at Edinburgh Castle.
Head girl Ailsa will also have a special role at the ceremony itself alongside the Crown of Scotland following the procession along the Royal Mile from the castle to the cathedral.
Sixth year student Ailsa said: “I thought Mr Gibson was pulling my leg when he first told me about it.
“We’re feeling very lucky to be part of it.”
Head boy Callum said: “It’s a great opportunity for the school and a huge honour.
“It was very unexpected.”
The school was invited to take part by the Lord Lyon, king of arms in Scotland, who is responsible for regulating heraldry and granting new arms and played key roles in the funeral of the late Queen Elizabeth and coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla.
The Lord Lyon, Reverend Canon Dr Joseph Morrow, who was appointed to the post by the Queen in 2014, visited Clydeview Academy in 2021 to help them develop a coat of arms as part of the school’s tenth anniversary celebrations and has maintained a close link since.
Head teacher, Mr Gibson, said: “The Lord Lyon is a huge supporter of the school and champions young people at every possible opportunity.
“This is a great honour for us as individuals, for the school, and for Inverclyde.”
The crown jewels of Scotland are the oldest in Britain comprising the crown, sceptre and sword of state and made of gold, silver and precious gems.
The Stone of Destiny will also be at the cathedral for the honours service.
Principal teacher of music, Mr Beck, will be involved in the commemorations in his other role as president of the World Robert Burns Federation.
Provost Drew McKenzie will also be in attendance representing the council and Inverclyde as a whole in his capacity as the area’s civic figurehead.
Mr McKenzie said: “It’s a tremendous privilege for me to be invited to take part in this landmark event and represent the people of Inverclyde.
“I’m very much looking forward to the occasion and especially for Ailsa and Callum to be involved in such an historic moment alongside Mr Gibson and Mr Beck.
“Inverclyde will be very well served on the day and I wish the Clydeview Academy representatives all the very best.”
Also attending the service in Edinburgh next week will be Queen Camilla and the Prince and Princess of Wales, or the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay as they are known in Scotland.
The honours will be collected by the procession involving around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life.
There will also be a 21-gun salute and a fly-past by the Red Arrows with members of the public able to watch along the Royal Mile.