Britain's Queen Elizabeth has started her annual week-long trip to Scotland by visiting soldiers in Edinburgh.
The monarch took in the Palace of Holyroodhouse in the Scottish capital city, where she was given a guard of honour by armed forces personnel who have recently returned from Afghanistan, as well as a 21-gun royal salute at Edinburgh Castle.
The special salute was carried out by gunners from 19th Regiment Royal Artillery, whose commanding officer, Colonel John Oldroyd, was delighted his group were able to put on such a spectacle for the queen.
He said: "The regiment was honoured to fire the royal salute at the castle to mark Her Majesty's arrival in Edinburgh for Royal week.
"The royal salute provides a great occasion for The Scottish Gunners to display their professionalism and pride in conducting such an honour in the nation's capital city."
Elizabeth also took in the ancient Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace, where she was handed the keys to the city, and then, in traditional style, she gave them back.
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