A Deeside festival made history on its closing night yesterday with the debut public performance of a piping ballad composed for the Queen.
Members of the Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 Scots) played The Longest Reign at the Deeside Activity Park, near Aboyne, to bring Food and Fiddle Fortnight to a conclusion.
The tune was penned by Pipe Major Stuart Gillies, in honour of the monarch becoming the longest reigning in British history.
On September 9 Queen Elizabeth II reached 63 years on the throne, breaking a record held by her great-great-grandmother Queen Victoria.
The resounding ballad echoed out across Deeside as the soldiers brought their time guarding the Royal Family on the Balmoral Estate to a close after three months of duty.
More than 100 people turned up to listen to its debut, which was accompanied by a host of other Scots piping tunes.
The Longest Reign was also performed for the Queen at Balmoral Castle on the landmark date and a copy of it was presented to her at the end of her summer stay.
It was written by Mr Gillies on the request of the regiment’s commander, Major Alastair Colville.
He said: “When I was given this special task I wanted to write a tune that was distinctive and suitable for the occasion, as well as being easily learned so as many people as possible could play it.
“It is an upbeat and celebratory tune, and each part has the same basic melody, but with growing complexity.”
Mr Colville added: “This is the first time the battalion has done the guard for 28 years, so we wanted to return with some style and the whole company has really enjoyed the opportunity to spend three months in such a stunning setting.”
Ken Howie, owner of the activity park, said yesterday he was delighted to play host to 2 Scots for the premiere of the piece.
“Premiering this beautiful, historic tune in Royal Deeside is a very fitting way for the band to end their time on royal guard duty and a wonderful tribute to her majesty,” he said.
A video of two pipers from the regiment performing The Longest Reign in the hillscape surrounding Ballater has been viewed nearly 80,000 times online.
Moira Gash, project coordinator for the Food and Fiddle Fortnight, said the performance “added to the variety” of the event.