BEACONS and bonfires will be lit across the Borders on Thursday, April 21, to mark The Queen’s 90th birthday.

In addition to Her Majesty lighting the Principal Beacon at Windsor Castle, beacons will also be lit at the top of the highest peaks across the UK (Ben Nevis, Mount Snowdon, Scafell Pike and Slieve Donard).

In the Borders, beacons/bonfires will be lit at 8.30pm at the following locations: Hawick, Kelso, Galashiels, Lauder, Bonchester Bridge, Peniel Heugh, Selkirk, Newcastleton, Eildon Hills and Morebattle.

Some of these may be open to the public and will be advertised locally.

The official celebrations for Her Majesty’s birthday are taking place on Sunday, June 12, with a Patron’s Lunch for 10,000 people in The Mall, London. 

Communities the length and breadth of the country are also being encouraged to hold their own celebrations to mark the occasion, and can apply for funding through Scottish Borders Council’s Community Grant Scheme.

Community groups of all kinds, Community Councils, places of worship, and schools can apply for funding through the Grant Scheme. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 31.

Further information about the Grant Scheme and a short application form for funding towards events for The Queen’s birthday is available atwww.scotborders.gov.uk/communitygrants