Officer Cadets from City of Edinburgh Universities Officer Training Corps (UOTC) fired a 21-Gun Royal Salute at Edinburgh Castle today [Monday, 10th June 2013 at 12 noon] to mark the 92nd Birthday of Prince Philip, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.

In addition to the Royal Salute, next year’s Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games was also marked with a focus on the two venues in the East of Scotland.

Jen McIntosh, a Scottish and British rifle shooter, who competed at the London 2012 Olympic Games; and Scottish diver Grace Reid, the youngest member of the Scottish Commonwealth Team to compete at the last Commonwealth Games in Delhi were there to represent the athletes aiming for selection for Glasgow 2014.

Jennifer McIntosh, who in 2010 won two golds and a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, India, making her the most successful Scottish female athlete at a single games, said: “It is a real privilege to have been invited to Edinburgh Castle today to witness the 21-Gun Royal Salute and to highlight the involvement of shooting in the Commonwealth Games at Barry Buddon, near Carnoustie.

“It is a busy time for the athletes competing for selection to Team Scotland and nothing would give me more pleasure than being able to defend my Commonwealth Games title next year.”

17 year old diver, Grace Reid said: “It has been really exciting to be at the Castle today for this special event and making the link to the Diving event at the Commonwealth Games which will be held here in Edinburgh next year.

“To compete at my home pool in the Commonwealth Games would be another major milestone in my career. The Royal Commonwealth Pool is where I learnt to dive and where I have grown up pretty much. To dive in front of a home crowd would be a dream come true.”

Glasgow 2014 Chairman Lord Smith, who joined both athletes said: “It is a real honour to be at Edinburgh Castle, one of Scotland’s most iconic and popular landmarks to help mark HRH The Duke of Edinburgh’s Birthday.

“Being in Edinburgh to mark the occasion gives the Organising Committee the chance to reinforce the message that the Games are for all of Scotland. From our record breaking volunteer programme to the Queen’s Baton Relay, there are opportunities for people in every region of Scotland to get involved and to help us deliver a successful Games that the whole country can be proud of.”

Brigadier Paul Harkness, Commander of 51 (Scottish) Brigade added: “The Ministry of Defence will be providing the Barry Buddon Training Centre at Carnoustie for the shooting competitions. We are looking forward to a truly memorable Games and wish the athletes from across the Commonwealth the very best of luck.”

Cheeky Glasgow 2014 Mascot Clyde also joined in the celebrations.