Tree planted in Penicuik to celebrate Queen's Jubilee

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Callander, immediate past-chairman of Veterans Housing Scotland, joined chairman Bob Kemp CBE to plant a tree celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee.

Richard Callander LVO OBE TD – Lord-Lieutenant of Midlothian (left) and Group Captain Bob Kemp CBE QVRM AE DL, Chairman, Veterans Housing Scotland plant the tree. Photo: Ian Jacobs

Richard Callander is also Lord-Lieutenant for Midlothian and was thrilled to be invited to plant such an important tree at the VHS community in Penicuik.

He said: "Having spent around 30 years working with Veterans Housing Scotland, it is a huge honour to be invited to play such an important role today. During my time with the charity we helped a great many veterans and their families. Today we are planting one of more than one million trees which are known collectively as the Queen’s Green Canopy.”

Bob Kemp continued: “As a charity we are privileged to have enjoyed royal patronage since our inception in 1915. Our history boasts Her Majesty, her father and grandfather as our patron, all of whom have planted trees for us in the past. We are delighted to be able to welcome Richard back to do the honours recognising the Platinum Jubilee. As Lord Lieutenant he is the Queen’s representative in Midlothian, a perfect fit.”

Invited guests for the occasion included trustees and VHS tenants who live nearby.