25 May 2022

Celebrating the Jubilee at National Trust for Scotland places

A blue crate with a pile of strawberries in the corner lies on a vegetable bed next to a strawberry plant with a white label stating: Royal Sovereign.

Royal Sovereign strawberries, grown at Harmony Garden

Here’s a list of the events we’re running, all across the country, in celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Platinum Jubilee special display of our collections and mini-tours

Summer 2022

At the Tenement House we’re displaying some special items from our collection that are linked to The Queen succeeding to the throne in 1952 and her coronation the following summer. This new exhibition explores what impact the coronation had on the people of Glasgow. It includes one of Miss Toward’s letters where she writes about seeing the coronation at a friend’s house on their television, and then later at the movies!

Items will be on display throughout the summer. We’re also asking for our visitors’ memories, so we can add these to our oral histories project.

Entry to the exhibition is included with the admission ticket.

The image shows a carbon copy of Agnes’s typed letter, a photo of Agnes out shopping and a copy of the Scotsman newspaper coronation issue. The first sheet of the letter reads: My dear Elsie, By this time, you will have given up all hope of hearing from me. I'm afraid I can only offer the same-old excuse. I was glad to have your letter about the weather, and your Summer bonnets etc. Funny, the word Bonnet sounds to us who think of it only as an elderly lady's headgear! I am more than pleased to know that you have got into such a pleasant office, and not too heavy work. What is the weather like now? Here we have had a fine weekend, and wonder of wonders, Tuesday [?] June was a fine day here, while as you no doubt know, it was raining at times in London. One up for Scotland. I wonder if you saw the coronation by tv. I heard on the wireless that the Jets were taking over the film, or whatever it is called, to Montreal. I saw it at a friend's house from shortly after 10am till 6pm. A wonderful sight, and now am hoping to see the coloured film here when the queues are shorter. Last Saturday 5 June, I posted to General Delivery copies of the Scotsman which I think are about the best, and I hope that you will get them safely and you will enjoy the pictures. I am much interested to hear of your purchases, and your fine modern kitchen. It is nice to get new things of one's own. I am toying with the idea of getting in Electric light, but feel that it is a good deal to do for a house that is not one's own. The price of steel is high now, and on a rough idea, it would cost probably about £25. I could I think get it done by an expert at night and Saturdays, but there are so many formalities to go through, and then I might not even be allowed to engage the Electrician, as the factors usually have their own Contractors, which would no doubt come to be more expensive. I am busy with B/Lading but not just at the moment so am taking a chance to make this an Aberdonian letter with the small type. Hope it won't injure your eyesight reading it. The Principal, S, is in the office today, and as the high heid yins are in conference at present, I am typing this with one eye on the door, so please excuse typing errors. This machine worries me with the half spacing. I prefer the old 1, 2, 3 and forget that one turn of this wee wheel is all wrong. It is a botheration having to switch from one machine to another. The back spacer on this Oliver is confused with the arrow at the left which operates the Tab, and if you forget you are not working the Remington and touch this arrow you whizz away to the end with a bang. However it is much lighter than the old one. I was very glad to hear that Miss Todd is so much better and with the bright Summer weather (which I hope is not too hot) I hope she will improve still more. Things here are just the same - some days we have a hired typist for the African work, Manifest etc, and would you believe it, one of your old favourite's Sculthropes machines. It is bone dry, no oil, and works like a Boiler Shop. Really it is most nerve racking, especially when stranges are hurrying, and not using the release on the ratchet wheel. Canada seems to be the magnet still. What do you think, the couple below us (the wireless policeman) who removed just about this time last year to one of the 'Luxury' Corporation houses, are going there. Indeed he has sailed and she follows with the two children next month. Reason, no promotion, and going to do Wireless work over there. Well, well. The people who came into the house, now all their hammering and painting is over, are very quiet, which is a great blessing, and my new neighbours next door are most kind and nice - a not just young couple with no family - at least they have never mentioned any and I don't think they can have any - I of course don't ask questions. She told me he is in the printing business. Next time you come to Glasgow you'll need a guide book. You know Fraser took over Duncans and Wood & Selby. I think it must be this because Dunn & Wilkie the fruit shop you know, were asked to buy, but cleared out instead, as have several other shops in that range. Bayne & Duckett must I think be leaving, or have left the ship just round the corner in New City Road, and Craig, Bakers, have also to go eventually. B & D have opened new shop on Duncans side just past Mackay's grain store. Annett Smith is now across Sauchiehall Street just near Patons shop, and Allan the boot shop is in Smiths shop now. Everybody seems to be getting put out. Pettigrew and Dalys are now Fraser as you will see from the supplement. I think that is the most of my news.

Miss Toward’s letter about the coronation in 1953.

Family Festival

Newhailes, Musselburgh

Friday 3, Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 June, 10am–4pm

We have three fun-filled days planned for all the family, with everything from Highland dancers, food and drink stalls, live music, family games and much, much more. Soak up the atmosphere across the Newhailes estate on this long bank holiday weekend – just relax and enjoy.

Book your tickets today

Newhailes

Platinum Jubilee Picnic

Brodie Castle, Moray

Sunday 5 June, 10am–4pm

Brodie will be hosting an afternoon picnic street party. Come and spend the day with us and enjoy some tasty food and entertaining crafts, or hire one of our lawn games if you want to let your competitive side loose! We’ll also have some fun photo booths to capture those Jubilee celebrations.

Admission to the event is free – and no advance booking is required.

If you would like to order one of our delicious afternoon tea picnic boxes, please do so by Wednesday 1 June.

Book a delicious afternoon tea picnic box

A view looking down the long straight drive towards Brodie Castle on a bright sunny day. In front of the castle is a large area of parkland with tall trees dotted throughout.

Brodie Castle & Estate

Jubilee Afternoon Tea

Greenbank Garden, Glasgow

Saturday 4 June, 10am–5pm

Join us for a right royal knees-up as we celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee!

Treat yourself and the whole family to a delicious afternoon tea box. For little ones wanting a lighter bite, there’s a child’s box available too.

Relax and enjoy the elegant surroundings of our walled garden as you find a spot and tuck in. To keep the wee ones entertained, we’ll have a craft tent on site. We would also encourage all children to come dressed up as their favourite historical character – anything from princes and princesses, to Paddington and Robin Hood. The more, the merrier!

Embrace your competitive spirit with our vintage lawn games, enjoy live music during the day, and then relax in front of the BBC’s Platinum Party in the Palace Concert which will be playing on the big screen during the evening (timing tbc).

Your ticket also includes evening entry to our first ever Summer Session on the top lawn, from 5pm until 8pm. Our garden BBQ will be open too.

Book your tickets today

A view looking towards Greenbank House from the end of the lawn on a sunny day. Two large round yew trees stand either side of the lawn, framing the house.

Greenbank Garden

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Featured Places

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Newhailes

Palladian house that played a prominent role in the Scottish Enlightenment

Edinburgh & The Lothians

Celebrating the Jubilee at National Trust for Scotland places