Trafalgar 200, Ballater, Royal Deeside, Scotland

Trafalgar 200, Ballater, Royal Deeside, Scotland

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On 21st October 2005 Britain and other countries celebrated Trafalgar Day.

The day, and its ceremonies, commemorated the 200th anniversary of the defeat of the combined force of the French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in 1805.

A fleet of British and allied ships lead by Lord Horatio Nelson defeated the naval forces of Napoleon Bonaparte, the French Emperor, and removed the threat of French invasion of Britain. This helped in the final defeat and removal from power of Bonaparte (widely seen as the Hitler of his day) at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.

Oak from Craigendarroch hill at Ballater was used in the construction of the British Fleet and five scottish captains commanded ships under Nelson.
Many Scottish sailors were crewmen.

A nationwide celebration (televised live by the BBC) consisted of remembrance ceremonies and the lighting of 1000 beacons across the UK. The four countries of the UK each had a principal beacon lit by a member of the Royal Family. Scotland's principal beacon was lit in Ballater by HRH The Prince of Wales,
known in Scotland by the title The Duke of Rothesay.

The event was organised locally by Ballater and Crathie Community Council. Members were introduced to Prince Charles.

Not being part of the official "Press Pack" our images are in places a bit shaky but give the spirit of the occasion.

Click for larger images


Television Satellite Trucks in Hawthorn Place	Organisers and media prepare for the event on Ballater Church Green. Craigendarroch hill in the background	Crowds begin to gather	Police and participants begin to assemble

Craig Coillich hill looms above Ballater	Television lighting illuminates the scene as daylight begins to fade. Fittingly the honour guard for Prince Charles are the Sea Cadets and here their commanding officer (left) tells the crowd about their role	Local commentator Alistair Cassie studies his notes while David Cargill, Chairman of Ballater and Crathie Community Council, resplendent in national dress helps organise.	Forming the entrance for HRH

Ballater and District Pipe Band provide the music	The Sea Cadets sporting Trafalgar 200 caps march down Bridge Street	Inspection and forming into line	Highland Dancers entertain the crowd

An atmospheric scene under a darkening sky. The large crowd awaiting the arrival of Prince Charles from Birkhall - his Scottish residence just outside Ballater	The main road closed for the event, the Sea Cadets stand ready.	Prince Charles (left) in naval uniform ascends the ladder to light the beacon	Prince Charles lights the beacon

BBC TV coverage	The beacon burns brightly	The beacon on its oak support	Prince Charles, David Cargill and Dr Sheila Sedgwick (all right of picture). Dr Sedgwick recited the prayer and Nelson's orders to the fleet prior to the Battle of Trafalgar