Putin visits Scotland
The Russian president Vladimir Putin has continued his state visit to the UK today with a trip to Scotland accompanied by the Duke of York.
Mr Putin and his wife Lyudmila arrived in the country yesterday and were welcomed by the Queen at Buckingham Palace. They travelled through London in an open topped carriage before a state banquet at which the Queen told the president that the two countries should remain ‘firm partners’ despite their differences over the war in Iraq.
In her address the Queen said: ‘My message to you, Mr President, is one of admiration, respect and support.’
Today they toured Edinburgh Castle and took lunch at Holyrood Palace before Mr Putin met with Scottish leaders and Mrs Putin visited the National Museum of Scotland.
Tomorrow the couple will visit the Tower of London, the Observatory at Greenwich and St Paul’s Cathedral. Mr Putin will also have lunch at Downing Street and meet Mr Blair for an hour of private talks.
