With the help of Deputy Lord Lieutenant William Morrison Young and Grounds Operative Gary O'Raw, Depute Provost Bert Thomson officially planted a tree to commemorate King Charles III having come to the throne.

The tree and a plaque were set in place outside South Lanarkshire Council’s HQ after local authorities across the UK received funding for similar memorials.

Councillor Thomson said: “Our Grounds Services team researched the matter and found that one of the King’s favourite types of trees is an Acer Princeton Gold, which is perfect for this location, so this will be a fitting memorial to such a historic occasion.

“I was delighted to be able to plant the tree on behalf of South Lanarkshire. Given the King’s deep love of nature, there couldn’t be a more perfect way to mark his coronation and I look forward to seeing it grow and flourish throughout His Majesty’s reign and beyond.”

He said: “Lanarkshire’s Lord Lieutenant, Lady Haughey, received word that funding was available for local authorities to install a commemorative tree and plaque for the King’s Coronation, and so we passed this on to the councils associated with our Lieutenancy.

“It is wonderful, therefore, to see this coming to fruition and I am honoured to have played a part in helping this living memorial set down roots where it can be admired by passers-by for years to come.”