Dignitaries and ordinary Glaswegians have joined to pay tribute to The Queen. Books of condolence were set out at the City Chambers at George Square, which the much loved monarch visited on several occasions.
The city’s former provost Liz Cameron said her sadness was mixed with warm memories of her many meetings with The Queen, most notably at the re-opening of the city’s famous Kelvinbridge Art Gallery and Museum.
Cameron said: “Her majesty was in our city on several occasions but I remember her most fondly from the opening of the refurbished Kelvingrove gallery in 2006 because it was my political baby and I was in charge of the refurbishment.
“It was wonderful to show it to her majesty to introduce her to the children in the education suite there.
“She spent a lot of time with them when she was wonderful with them, and then to have lunch with her and to hear about her family.
“She asked about my family and she was an inspiration.
“I was struck by how well briefed she was because she knew about my family and she knew that I was taking Italian lessons and she wanted to chat about that.
“She always did her homework on everyone and she was able to put them at ease, as she must have known that people do get very nervous and really socially awkward around her.”
She added: “The people of Glasgow would turn up just to see her and to share in the experience and there was a very genuine love held for her.”
Flowers were laid at the front of the City Chambers by well wishers.
One wrote: “My heart goes out to you all with sympathy. You will always be in our thoughts. You’ve done so much for Great Britain and the world.”
Another wrote: “You done your duty and served your country as a brave young woman. Your loyalty was next to none.”.
Glasgow’s recently appointed Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren was the first to sign the books of condolence.
The book was then signed by the city’s second and third citizens, The Lord Dean and the Deacon Convener.
The Union flag has been flying at half-mast above the chambers since the announcement of the Queen’s death.
McLaren said: “I think the Royal Family regarded Scotland as their place to go for happiness. This is their home.
“I believe there was a genuine affection for the Queen in particular in Glasgow.
“She visited the city on many occasions and took a very real interest in what was going on here.
“I feel it is my biggest honour to be the first to sign the book and many more will join me in coming days.”
McLaren said she was aware of Her Majesty opening the Wyndford Estate in Maryhill in the 1960s and the connection was still burning bright when the neighbourhood held platinum jubilee celebrations in May this year.
Former provost Eva Bolander said the Queen had been extremely generous and gracious of offering her time to visit the city.
She said: “The Queen was most generous with her time and there was always a very strong desire from the people of Glasgow to welcome her here.”
The Queen’s passing was marked in a statement by football giants Rangers.
A club statement read: “The Directors, management, players and staff of Rangers Football Club are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Her Majesty The Queen.
“Her Majesty served the people of Great Britain and the Commonwealth for over 70 years with incredible devotion and dignity. She will be gravely missed by not just our nation, but nations across the world.
“It is with great pride that her portrait has hung in our home dressing room at Ibrox Stadium as a mark of the club’s appreciation for her phenomenal service.”
Glasgow’s shopping malls and city streets featured many billboards to mark the passing.
A smiling face of Queen Elizabeth looked down, marking only her title and the 96 years that spanned her life.
READ NEXT:
