A BEACON was lit on Ardrossan's Castle Hill last week to celebrate The Queen’s 90th birthday.

The beacon was lit by Provost Joan Sturgeon – and she was joined by a number of special guests including young people from all parts of North Ayrshire who shared the same birthday as our longest-serving Monarch.

Provost Sturgeon said: “These events help bring communities together in celebration and it’s been wonderful to see so many people join us for the lighting of the beacon.

“The Queen is an inspirational figure for so many and it is fitting that North Ayrshire has joined people from across the globe to mark her 90th birthday.”

Around 1,000 towns and cities across the UK and Commonwealth celebrated the Queen’s milestone by taking part in the long tradition of lighting beacons on royal occasions, such as jubilees, weddings, coronations and birthdays.

The North Ayrshire beacon was lit on Cannon Hill, close to the site of the ancient castle ruins, as a visual celebration of the Queen’s 90th birthday.

The event was attended by almost a dozen young people – aged from five to 18 – who share the same birthday as Her Majesty.

They were welcomed to the celebration in Ardrossan Civic Centre by Provost Sturgeon before the Lord Lieutenant of Ayrshire and Arran, John Duncan, read a special declaration from Prince Charles.

The younger guests then made their own individual message for the Queen which will now be sent to Buckingham Palace.

The Provost and Lord Lieutenant led the procession to the hill, with the aid of The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers.

Provost Sturgeon added: “I would like to thank all of the individuals, families and local organisations who have turned out in great numbers. It has been a memorable occasion and one which I’m sure they will remember for a long time to come.”

The event cost the council £897.