Tributes have poured in from across Perth and Kinross after Buckingham Palace announced the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.
She died peacefully at Balmoral in Aberdeenshire on Thursday afternoon at the age of 96 after 70 years of service.
The Queen was the UK’s longest-reigning monarch and celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.
A statement from the Royal Family on Thursday said: “The Queen died peacefully at Balmoral this afternoon.
“The King and The Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral this evening and will return to London tomorrow.”
On the announcement of her death, Perth and Kinross Provost Xander McDade sent condolences to the Royal Family on behalf of the council and local residents.
Provost McDade said: “Queen Elizabeth II served her country loyally and with unshakeable commitment to public duty as the longest serving British monarch in history.
“She visited Perth and Kinross many times during her reign, including to open the Queen’s Bridge, Perth Concert Hall, and to mark her Diamond Jubilee in the year that Perth was awarded city status.
“Earlier this year we were proud to host community celebrations to mark her remarkable Platinum Jubilee.
“Her Majesty will be remembered with fondness and respect and our heartfelt sympathies go to her family at this sad time.”
A statement from Scone Palace, the former crowning place of Scottish kings, reads: “The Earl and Countess of Mansfield and family wish to express their deep sadness and offer sincere condolences to the Royal Family of our longest serving monarch, Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
“An extraordinary life of duty and dedication to the UK and wider Commonwealth, we extend our gratitude for her life of service.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with the King and the Royal Family.”
Perthshire North MSP and deputy first minister John Swinney said: “For over seven decades, the Queen was a constant, stabilising presence in our lives.
“Indeed, for the vast majority of us she is the only head of state that we have ever known.
“Her passing is a moment of profound sadness, and I share the sense of loss and sorrow that is being felt across Scotland and beyond.
“At this time, it is right that we remember and pay tribute to Her Majesty’s tireless work ethic, dedication to her role and unerring sense of duty.
“She has been a source of comfort for us during some of the UK’s darkest days, but has also shared with us in great moments of hope and celebration.
“Our lives are richer for her contribution to public life.
“I am thankful for the conversations and interactions that I was privileged to have with Her Majesty over the years.
“Now more than ever, I will cherish these memories and remember with fondness her warmth, along with the wisdom that she imparted upon me.
“I would like to extend my sympathy to the entire Royal Family, who will most acutely feel this loss.
“I hope that the outpouring of love and respect from all over the world will prove to be a source of comfort to them during this difficult time.
“I extend my good wishes to His Majesty the King.”
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart MBE added: “I am extremely saddened at the truly awful news of the passing of our Queen.
“Our longest-reigning Monarch; for whom I had a deep admiration, including her tireless work and service to our country and the Commonwealth.
“I had the pleasure of meeting her on a number of occasions but the pinnacle of all these opportunities was receiving my MBE from Her Majesty at Holyrood Palace in 2016, and I shall never forget our brief but highly entertaining conversation.
“Indeed, I also had the great pleasure this year to speak in the Scottish Parliament in support of her unprecedented 70 years on the throne.
“It is astonishing that this accession to the throne was bestowed upon her whilst only 25 and still in mourning for her beloved Father.
“It was an enormous undertaking and responsibility for one so young."
Books of Condolence in memory of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II are being made available across Perth and Kinross for residents.
Residents wishing to do so are also invited to lay flowers at the Tay Street viewpoint in Perth.
The Book of Condolence in the Council buildings at 2 High Street, Perth is open to the public until 5pm today (9 September), 10am to 2pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 9am to 5pm on the following week days.
From Monday 12 September, Books of Condolence can also be accessed during normal opening hours at:
- Community School of Auchterarder, New School Lane, Auchterarder
- Breadalbane Community Campus, Aberfeldy
- North Inch Community Campus, Perth
- Loch Leven Community Campus, The Muirs, Kinross
- Strathearn Community Campus, Pittenzie Road, Crieff
- Glenearn Campus, Glenearn Road, Perth
- Blairgowrie Community Campus, Blairgowrie
These are in addition to the online Book of Condolence which can be accessed on the website of the Royal Family: www.royal.uk
Pick up a copy of Tuesday's PA for more coverage on the Queen's connections with Perth and Kinross.
