Queen arrives to cheering crowds in North Lanarkshire

It has been a very special last day the school year for pupils in Cumbernauld with the Queen coming to visit.

Her Majesty arrived by royal train just before eleven o’clock and was greeted by a big crowd here at Croy Station, desperate for a once in a life time glimpse at Royalty.

Around two-hundred people lined the entrance, kept safe by a massive police presence.

They erupted into cheers as they spotted the Queen step onto the platform wearing sunshine yellow to match the weather.

The motorcade slowed down to wave to the crowd, before speeding off towards Greenfaulds High, where Her Majesty is meeting pupils and staff.

She was given a traditional Scottish welcome by North Lanarkshire’s School Pipe Band before a tour of the state of the art school.

Sixth year Elish McCormack met her and said: "It was an absolute honour, something I'd never imagine to happen but I'll remember it for the rest of my life.

"She asked me what year I am going into and about the school and the work we do here.

"The atmosphere in the school has been amazing, obviously we never expected the Queen to come here to Greenfaulds."

Pupils Hannah Russell, 14, and Breagha Miller, 15, greeted the Queen in Gaelic and then translated the message as she entered the building.

Hannah, of Airdrie, said: “I was nervous but it was an honour.

“Gaelic is really important to us, so to speak it to the Queen is a big honour.

“She made us feel really comfortable.''

Breagha, also from Airdrie, added: “She was really nice. I was really nervous but fine when she came in.''

The Queen, wearing a yellow and white dress and coat by Angela Kelly which were embroidered with Swarovski crystals, as well as a matching hat, then went outside to the athletics track to listen to a performance by North Lanarkshire Schools' Pipe Band.

Pupils cheered and waved flags when she returned inside the building to listen to music and readings in the auditorium.

Isla Duke, a primary six pupil from nearby Condorrat Primary School, gave a confident Gaelic poetry recital on stage before East Dunbartonshire Schools' String Ensemble performed Ashokan Farewell.

The Queen then presented North Lanarkshire Council school recognition awards to pupils Fraser O'Brien and Zoe Train, as well as teacher Eileen McLoughlin - who was working her last day at the institution.

Both students had earned Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards.

To cheers and applause, she then unveiled a plaque in the auditorium to mark her visit.

Condorrat primary one pupil Archie Wilson presented the Queen with a posy of flowers, alongside teenagers Elise McCormick and Cameron MacIndoe.

Elise, 16, from Cumbernauld, said: “It's an honour, it's something I never imagined happening to me.

“It's something I will remember for the rest of my life.

“She just spoke to me about my education and how it must be such a great place to learn in Greenfaulds.''

The Queen left the building while the South Lanarkshire Big Band played, and she waved to members of the public who were cheering and waving flags.

Greenfaulds High School is the centre for Gaelic medium education in the council area and currently has around 90 pupils studying the language.

Her Majesty will continue her visit to Scotland tomorrow as a special ceremony and garden party to celebrate 20 years of the Scottish Parliament.