Nicola Sturgeon has led tributes in Scotland to the Queen, who has died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle.
Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history and was immediately succeeded by her son Charles as King.
Her death was announced at 6.30pm tonight.
The First Minister said: "The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth, and the world.
"Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service. On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to the King and the Royal Family."
Concerns over the Queen's failing health were first reported earlier today while the SNP leader was facing MSPs at her weekly session of FMQs.
Parliamentary business continued as normal at Holyrood on Thursday afternoon but all debates scheduled for next week have now been postponed.
Members of the royal family will be expected in the coming days to hold a poignant vigil around the Queen’s coffin in St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh.
The First Minister continued: "We are all saddened by today’s news and will come together in the days ahead to mourn.
"But it is right and proper that we celebrate the unparalleled contribution she made in her 70 years as Sovereign.
"The Queen came to the throne following the Second World War, reigned through decades of social change and lived to be the monarch who opened our Scottish Parliament in the age of devolution.
"Largely through her belief in the value of diverse nations coming together to celebrate humanity, The Queen played a leading role in creating the modern Commonwealth – 53 countries across six continents working together.
"Scotland was special to her and she was special to Scotland. Throughout her life, she had a particular fondness for Aberdeenshire and her home there at Balmoral, where she spent her final days.
“But her contribution to Scottish public life extended throughout our country and abroad and was deeply felt by thousands.
"In the coming days there will be ample opportunity for people to pay their respects by attending events across the country."
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, said it was "a sad day for the whole country".
He added: "The entire nation joins them in mourning the death of Her Majesty, the Queen. Our longest serving monarch, Her Majesty was a dedicated public servant, demonstrating strength, leadership and compassion when her country needed it most.
"From the Blitz to the pandemic, she brought our nation together at times of crisis - providing hope and light in our darkest moments.
"That influence was felt beyond the United Kingdom, she was a global figure whose stewardship of the Commonwealth leaves a world better than she found it."
Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, described the Queen as "a steadfast and loyal sovereign, devoted to the wellbeing of her people".
He said: "Elizabeth II represented perhaps the greatest life of public service in the history of our country. Our family of nations is in mourning.
"For seven decades she has been our country’s most recognisable ambassador.
"Whether it be her wartime service, her patronage of more than 600 charities, or her Covid-19 broadcast to the nation, she has been a beacon for so many people. The Queen was loved and touched lives the world over.
"She will be remembered not only as the longest reigning monarch these isles have ever seen but as a steadfast and loyal sovereign, devoted to the wellbeing of her people."
Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater said: "All of us have shared in the pain of losing a loved one in our lives, and at this difficult time for so many, we offer our condolences following the Queen’s passing.
"Since first opening the Scottish Parliament in 1999 she was a frequent visitor to Holyrood, and I am among many here who hold memories of meeting her during her visits to the Chamber over the years.
"She made her mark on history, and we hope people find solace in each other."
Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross said: "Her Majesty The Queen was a national treasure who represented the very best of our United Kingdom throughout her entire life.
"The dedication and commitment of Her Majesty to this country and her people was unmatched.
"For 70 years, The Queen led the country through good times and bad, an unwavering presence of strength in each and every national moment of adversity.
"There was nobody else like Her Majesty. This loss will be felt dearly across Scotland, the United Kingdom and around the world. Everyone will remember Her Majesty as a warm, loving and caring mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and monarch."
Alister Jack, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: "It is with great sadness, and our deepest condolences, that we mark the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II
"Her long reign was defined by hard work and dedicated public service, earning her the respect and devotion of her citizens the length and breadth of the UK, and throughout the Commonwealth.
"Her Majesty had a genuine love of Scotland, and a very special relationship with us Scots. Her Majesty was held dear by people in Scotland, and she will be very much missed.
"It was in Scotland we saw the Queen at her most relaxed and happy, particularly on her regular visits to her much-loved Balmoral. I know it would have been a comfort to her and her family that she was able to spend her last days in the place she loved so much."
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