6 February 2012 Last updated at 07:52 ET

Diamond Jubilee: 21-Gun Royal Salute at Edinburgh Castle

A special whisky costing £100,000 is released to mark the diamond jubilee of the Queen's accession to the throne

A 21-Gun Royal Salute has been fired at Edinburgh Castle to celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the Queen's accession to the throne.

The Diamond Jubilee is being marked by several events across the UK, with the main celebrations in June.

The Queen came to the throne on 6 February 1952, after the death of her father George VI. Her Coronation took place on 2 June 1953.

The Queen has said she feels moved by the support shown for her Jubilee.

Lt Col Chris Huthwaite, Commanding Officer of 105 Regiment, said: "105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers) is honoured to be firing a 21-Gun Royal Salute today, as the nation begins its tributes on this unique year, celebrating Her Majesty's 60th Anniversary Accession to the Throne."

Meanwhile, the Royal Lochnagar distillery, which sits on the edge of the Queen's Balmoral estate on Deeside, has launched a special whisky to mark the occasion.

It has created a blend of rare malt and grain whiskies, which have been maturing since 1952. The 60 bottles will sell for £100,000 each, with the proceeds going to charity.

Events planned to take place during the summer include the Queen leading a flotilla of a thousand boats along the Thames and a chain of beacons being lit across the country.

Key public events

• River Thames, London; 3 June - More than 1,000 private boats will escort the Queen on a specially designed royal barge down the River Thames
• Windsor Castle, Berkshire; 10, 11, 13 May - Three evening performances featuring military and equestrian displays, music and dancing from around the world
• St Paul's Cathedral, London; 5 June - There will be a service of thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral and a formal carriage procession by the Queen

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh also intend to travel as widely as possible across the UK.

Other members of the Royal Family will visit the 15 other countries where the Queen is head of state, as well as some other Commonwealth countries.

In her message to mark the anniversary, the Queen said: "I am writing to thank you for the wonderful support and encouragement that you have given to me and Prince Philip over these years and to tell you how deeply moved we have been to receive so many kind messages about the Diamond Jubilee.

"In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign and which my family and I look forward to seeing in many forms as we travel throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth."