Aberdeenshire Council’s business services committee yesterday unanimously agreed to make Friday, 3 June an additional holiday to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The decision means council workers will get the day off, or additional pay if this is not possible, while school pupils will also have an extra day off.

The extra day of leave will cost the council around £150,000 in staff costs that will be accounted for in the 2022/23 revenue budget.

In November 2020 the UK Government announced the late May public holiday was to be moved to Thursday, 2 June, and an extra public holiday was approved for Friday, 3 June to allow a four-day weekend to celebrate the historic event.

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee will make her the first British monarch to reign for seven decades.

Meanwhile Aberdeenshire Council has set up a webpage from which you can find information about jubilee celebrations this year including details on the Queen’s Green Canopy, beacons and street parties. It also links to a national database where anyone can upload details of their planned event.

Individuals and community groups are encouraged to participate in any way they wish, whether this is by planting a tree or joining a Big Lunch hosted by a local group.

Here is the link to the webpage for more information: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities-and-events/events/platinum-jubilee/?fbclid=IwAR3PsEpMnvl-Ty56AGbP_4euqdOs6N3dYwBfDatr79eapEH-886fLwpM9B0