Britannia was launched from the yard almost exactly 60 years ago, in April 1953.

Following the launch she spent 44 years as a floating ambassador for the UK, sailing more than 1million nautical miles as she hosted the Royal Family at engagements all over the world.

The yacht sailed the equivalent of once around the world every year, and called in at more than 600 ports in 135 countries.

She was the only ship whose captain was usually an Admiral.

The Queen and the Duke of Edin- burgh took a personal interest in the design of Britannia's interior, opting for simple elegance, with the feeling of a country home.

The design has stood the test of time and is still being enjoyed by thousands of visitors who board her at her permanent berth in Leith, Edinburgh.

VIPs who boarded the yacht while she was in royal service included American president Bill Clinton in 1991, accompanied by former presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush snr.

The Queen and her family also spent their annual two-week holiday aboard Britannia every summer, sailing around Scotland's Western Isles.

With the 60th anniversary of the launch approaching, the Trust that owns and promotes the yacht is hoping to talk to workers who helped build this iconic ship.

Bob Downie, Chief Executive of the Trust, said: "We are very keen to track down anyone who worked on Britannia between 1952 and 1953. We would love to talk to them, hear their stories, and find out if they have any pictures of the yacht when she was being constructed.

"And we want them to join us in our 60th celebrations this year."

Britannia was one of the first major projects completed by the yard in the years after the end of the Second World War.

Thousands of people turned out to watch the young Queen launch her on Thursday April 16, 1953.

lIf you worked on the Britannia, or have a living relative who did, call 0131 555 5566 or e-mail enquiries@tryb.co.uk