The day the Duke got a big Cumbernauld welcome -back in 1965!

The day in question was in June 1965 and was part of a whistle-stop tour of engagements which saw the royal couple disembark from the Royal Yacht Britannia and visit the New Town after brief visits to Clydebank, Bearsden, Milngavie and Kirkintilloch.

With his military bearing, sense of engagement, debonair ways and cut-to-the-chase chat the duke too made his own unforgettable stamp on a day so many of our readers will recall with clarity and fondness from Cumbernauld’s earlier years.

And with his passing on Friday at the age of 99 tributes have poured in to the Duke including one from Kilsythian and Provost Jean Jones.

Councillor Jones said: “On behalf of the residents of North Lanarkshire, I send my deepest condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and her family following the death of HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip bore his recent illness with courage and determination and his passing marks a sad day for people across the country. ”

Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Susan Haughey CBE reinforced that view adding: ”Prince Philip's commitment to public service throughout his life has been exceptional.”

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