Scottish Catholic Observer

The monks at Pluscarden Abbey marked the 90th birthday of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth by ringing the abbey church’s bells for nine minutes, and by singing a special chant and prayers at Mass.

(Left to right) the bell-ringers are: Fr Martin Birrell, Br Joseph Carron, Br Matthew Jackson.

The Queen’s birthday wasn’t a spring day at the Elgin abbey though, it was snowing according to Fr Giles Conacher.

A spokesman for the Scottish Catholic Church said: “In congratulating the Queen on the occasion of her 90th birthday and hoping that she will continue to enjoy good health for many years to come, we remember with great fondness the warm welcome she extended to Pope Benedict at Holyrood Palace, when he visited Scotland in 2010.”