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"Hopefully the sun will shine, but the unpredictable Scottish summer is unlikely to deter thousands of royal watchers.

THE summer months in Scotland will truly be upon us by the time this issue reaches you.

The global news spotlights will also be focussed on Edinburgh and its historic High Kirk of St Giles, as the Honours of Scotland are bestowed upon King Charles III following his Coronation in London and the Church of Scotland once again takes centre stage on the pages of the history books.

Tens of thousands of visitors are likely to flock to the historic Royal Mile to catch a glimpse of the King and Queen as they attend the service. Hopefully the sun will shine, but the unpredictable Scottish summer is unlikely to deter thousands of royal watchers.

The city will be awash with visitors as the tourist season will be in full swing, but many thousands more will likely make their way to the capital to witness this distinctively Scottish ceremony where the oldest crown jewels in the UK are presented to the monarch to mark the accession to the throne.

I was poignantly reminded last autumn of the symbolism and importance of these moments of history to our wider communities. A cousin of mine (who lives in Yorkshire) had enquired if I had been able to attend any of the events surrounding the death of the late Queen Elizabeth. I had explained that I had not, but she shared that my late aunt had often spoken fondly of the Honours of Scotland service in Scotland during the summer of 1953. My late aunt and uncle lived in a flat in the Cowgate at the time but apparently hosted many members of the wider family who wanted to witness the pomp and ceremony surrounding the accession of the young Queen and spoke of making their way to St Giles to watch the procession, being caught up in the excitement and colour of the day – with the Church of Scotland again at the heart of celebrations.

Regardless of any personal or political views, this service will become very quickly part of our nation’s history books.

In May, congregations embraced the coronation celebrations with their own local events and celebrations, encouraging community outreach and it is likely this month’s service will again foster wider community events and participation – this time, hopefully in summer sunshine.

As the pages of the history books turn again, it will be heartening to see the part played by the Church of Scotland.¤

Lynne McNeil

Editor