The Queen Mother yesterday made her first public appearance in Scotland since her hip operation.
The 97-year-old was in Aberdeen to name the Scotia, a #21m research vessel.
Looking cheerful and walking with her stick under her arm, the Queen Mother unveiled a name plaque on the quayside which will later be placed in the ship.
The Clyde-built research vessel will be used by the Aberdeen Marine Laboratory to monitor sea pollution from the Faroe Islands to the coast of Spain.
Professor Anthony Hawkins from the marine laboratory said of the Queen Mother, who broke her hip in January: ''It's fantastic that she chose to come to Aberdeen for one of her rare official engagements. It shows her great love of the city.
Captain of the Scotia, John Nichol, said: ''She's a marvellous lady and it's great to see her looking in such good health.''
He added: ''It was obviously special for her to come along today.''
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