Queen Elizabeth beams with delight as a pony greets her upon arrival in Scotland
THE Queen beamed with delight today when a small pony greeted her and tried to eat her flowers as she visited one of Scotland's most popular attractions joined by Prince Phillip.
The royal couple toured the Kelpies sculptures in Falkirk by barge - and formally opened the new canal section.
Afterwards Her Majesty visited Sterling Castle to mark 70 years since being appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders.
Her guard of honour included Shetland Pony Cruachan IV - who tried to chew on the flowers.
Later in the day The Queen met Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at her official residence in Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh.
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Named after the monarch, the Queen Elizabeth II Canal in Falkirk forms the eastern gateway to the Forth and Clyde Canal and flows right up to the acclaimed 30 metre-high artwork featuring two horse heads.
Cheered on by hundreds of onlookers, the Queen and Philip boarded a bunting-covered boat for a five minute trip to the Kelpies landmark where she was introduced to two Clydesale horses, Duke and Dan, who inspired artist Andy Scott.
Crows of people waved Union flags as the royal party passed by, with an aerobatic display from the Global Stars stunt flying team taking place overhead.
Since it opened in April 2014 more than 2.5 million people have reportedly visited the sculptures, which are inspired by the horse-drawn barges of the canal in the past.
Andrew Thin, chairman of Scottish Canals, said: "We are honoured that Her Majesty the Queen was able to join us to celebrate the naming of the Queen Elizabeth II Canal in her honour."
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