Royal Watch News

Queen Elizabeth opens new library

Sep 25, 2012, 12:01 GMT

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh

Britain's Queen Elizabeth officially opened a new library in Scotland yesterday (24.09.12).

The queen and the Duke of Edinburgh were welcomed by a crowd of students and well-wishers as they toured Aberdeen University's £57million Sir Duncan Rice library, which holds more than a million books and collections of rare manuscripts.

Architects, doors and members of staff greeted the royal couple before they unveiled a plaque on the ground floor.

Danish architects Schmidt Hammer Lassen revamped the cube shaped building, that spans seven floors, to reflect the ice and light of the north and has become the largest capital fundraising project the university have undertaken.

Before leaving, the queen was presented with flowers from the university's Cruickshank Botanic Gardens by two students from China, Sarah Keung Yinsum and Yang Lee..  

One student, Sarah, 30, arrived in Scotland a week ago to study a masters in environmental science and was over the moon to meet the royals.

She said: 'It was just so exciting and fabulous to meet the queen and the duke.

'They were asking how long I had been here and wished me all the best.

'The duke was also interested in me being from Hong Kong as he said he likes it there.'

Shortly after the queen opened Aberdeen City Council's headquarters Marschial College, which is also newly renovated.

Council leader Barney Crockett is quoted by STV as saying: 'It is a great honour to have the Queen visit Marischal College and a terrific event for the city.

'The interest that Her Majesty and the Duke of Edinburgh showed throughout their tour was inspirational to see.'