THE Queen, accompanied by her husband the Duke of Edinburgh, toured Haddington in July 2007, when large crowds gathered to welcome her.
Her visit to Haddington took place on a rainy July 6, the wet weather failing to dampen either her smile or the welcome from locals.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness Prince Philip were returning to the county town 34 years after their last visit, to help celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Lamp of Lothian Trust.
The royal couple visited the trust at its Poldrate Mill base, welcomed by the late Lord Lieutenant Garth Morrison.
He said at the time: “The visit was a great success and they appeared to thoroughly enjoy the full range of activities and their time in Haddington.”
Her Majesty also visited the Bridge Centre, inside Poldrate Mill, where she was treated to a performance by youth rock band Avernus and where she planted an Albertine rose bush in the garden.
The Queen was taken to St Mary’s Playgroup, where she spoke to playgroup leader Brenda White, who said: “I think it’s really lovely that she’s here. This is something that only happens once in a lifetime.”
Her Majesty was also treated to a display of martial arts, work by the Poldrate Quilters and a demonstration of yoga.
READ MORE: The Queen's last visit to East Lothian remembered
She met Warhammer games enthusiasts, East Lothian Council’s lipreading group and members of the U3A organisation.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Edinburgh was taken on a separate tour of The Lamp, which included a visit to the Bridge Centre recording studio and a meeting with arts and crafts enthusiasts.
Her Majesty and Prince Philip also met members of the Bridge Centre Motorcycle Project and were shown engine repairs being carried out by its members.
The royal couple then made their way to St Mary’s Parish Church for a service, passing crowds who had remained vigilant standing in the rain to catch a glimpse of them as they walked by.
Arriving at St Mary’s Parish Church, the Queen and Prince Philip were greeted by a peel of bells and the Very Rev John Cairns.
They were shown creations by the resident craft group, met with ‘visitor guardians’, and examined the photograph history boards that told the story of the church renovations.
They were given a performance by children’s choir Choristers of St Mary’s, who gave a rendition of Little Lamb, from John Ritter’s Mass of the Children.
Choir member Elly Darrah, then aged 13, said: “I just felt like grinning.”
The royal couple ended their visit with engagements in St Mary’s Pleasance in the grounds of Haddington House, where they met members of Musselburgh Windsor FC, who held a sign which said: ‘Windsor Welcomes The Windsors.’
Her Majesty and Prince Philip were treated to a performance by recorder players from Longniddry Primary School; an exhibition by pupils from The Compass School, of figurines of the Queen; and met members of West Fenton’s Muirfield Riding for the Disabled.
Group chairperson Susan Law said: “We spoke about our new extension project and she was very interested in our work and what ponies we used.”
Then depute council leader Stuart Currie said: “I think the day was very successful and the Queen was very gracious and lovely as always.”
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