Her Majesty the Queen’s ties with Scotland were in her DNA, as she was descended directly from James VI of Scotland through her father King George VI.
Meanwhile, on her mother’s side, she could trace her ancestry through generations of Scottish nobility back to the 14th century and Sir John Lyon, Thane of Glamis, who married King Robert II’s daughter.
And Glamis Castle was the ancestral home of the Queen Mother, as well as being the birthplace of the Queen’s sister, Princess Margaret, who was the first royal baby to be born in Scotland since 1600.
During childhood and throughout her reign the Queen spent plenty of time in Scotland, using the ancient royal palace of Holyroodhouse when in residence in Edinburgh.
But she had particular affection for her beloved family home of Balmoral, in Aberdeenshire, which was created by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert as the royal family’s private retreat.
She was also said to be particularly fond of the the Royal Yacht Britannia which she launched at John Brown’s shipyard in Clydebank on April 16, 1953.
The boat was used for many trips around the world until it was decommisioned in 1997, later becoming a tourist attraction in Edinburgh’s Leith.
Here are 21 pictures of some of the Queen’s visits to Scotland over half a century ago.
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5. Inspection
The Queen inspects 1st Battalion Glasgow Highlanders Guard of Honour in September 1964. Photo: Unknown
6. On board
Queen Elizabeth II waves from her train at Stow Station in the Borders in July 1966. Photo: Ian Porteous
7. Stepping down
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh leaving the Burgh Buildings in Falkirk accompanied by Provost R H Watson in 1955. Photo: Unknown
8. Doon the watter
The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visiting Rothesay in August 1958. Photo: Unknown