Elected members of Edinburgh City Council have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II following her death aged 96.
Messages of condolences poured out from across the chamber as councillors reacted to the news announced yesterday evening.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, who will welcome the new king to Edinburgh next week ahead of a procession and special service at St Giles Cathedral, expressed sadness at the passing of "the nation’s mother and grandmother".
READ NEXT: Edinburgh city centre schools to shut for Queen's arrival in capital
He said: "Throughout HM the Queen’s extraordinary reign, she showed great appreciation for her ancient and hereditary kingdom of Scotland. During her countless visits to Edinburgh, she reached out to our charities, veterans, serving personnel, hospitals and children and won a very special place in the hearts of Scottish people.
"Over her seven-decade reign, she has shown unwavering and inspirational dedication to the nation and I pay tribute to her years of service. I’m sure her legacy will be special and long-standing.
"I had the pleasure of meeting her in June at our historic Ceremony of the Keys and it has been my privilege and honour to be her personal representative in Edinburgh."
Labour leader of the council Cammy Day said on Twitter shortly after news of the Queen's death: "The city and our country has lost a wonderful woman and servant of the United Kingdom."
He added today: "On behalf of the whole city of Edinburgh, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all the members of the royal family at this time of sadness and sorrow.
Cllr Day said people should expect "significant disruption across the city" as thousands are set to turn out for ceremonial events.
"Our city is highly experienced in handling major events, and we are working closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to safely accommodate the large crowds of visitors who will wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family over the next few days," he added.
Former Lord Provost of Edinburgh Frank Ross, who is the councillor for Corstorphine and Murrayfield, said: "It was with great sadness that I heard of the passing of our monarch Queen Elizabeth.
"As the former Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant I had the honour of meeting and supporting Her Majesty on her many visits to our capital.
"Her Majesty attended many significant events in the life of the capital, from the State Opening of Parliament to the opening of the magnificent Queensferry Crossing.
"However it was the annual pageantry of the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, which marked the start of Royal Week, which was the greatest occasion of state for the city.
"As our longest serving monarch we must be thankful for her service but never forget that she was also a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. The United Kingdom will never see her like again and on behalf of SNP councillors, and I'm sure everyone across Edinburgh, I express my condolences to her family."
Conservative leader at Edinburgh Council Iain Whyte said the Queen's 70-year reign was "marked with duty" which people had seen during frequent visits to the capital.
“The Edinburgh Council Conservative Group is united in our deep sorrow at the passing of her Majesty the Queen. When she ascended the throne in 1952, the Queen declared that her whole life, whether it be long or short, would be devoted to service," he said.
“She provided the country with a sense of permanence and stability helping so many through some difficult periods.
“When we think of the United Kingdom, it is impossible not to conjure up an image of her Majesty. Scotland and Edinburgh always played an important role in the Queen’s life and that of her family. We join people around the world in expressing our condolences to King Charles and the Royal Family as we join them in mourning the loss of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.”
Cllr Alex Staniforth, Co-convenor of the council's Green Group said: "We send condolences to all those affected by the death of the Queen."
Kevin Lang, leader of the Liberal Democrat group, said: “The Queen loved Edinburgh and the people of Edinburgh loved their Queen.
“The outpouring of emotion and grief at her passing shows the huge affection in which The Queen was held. At times of great uncertainty, she was a source of inspiration and comfort. At times of chaos in the world, she was our source of stability and calm.
“How lucky all of us are to have lived under the nation’s greatest monarch.”
READ NEXT:
- Changes to Edinburgh bin collections announced following Queen's death
- Edinburgh condolence book for Queen set-up as capital mourns monarch
- Edinburgh closures and cancellations following the death of Queen Elizabeth II
When Queen's body will arrive in Edinburgh from Balmoral as procession planned
Queen Elizabeth II: Edinburgh Council close major roads as monarch to arrive in capital
