Scots have observed a minute of silence in remembrance of the Queen ahead of her state funeral in London tomorrow. An outdoor service was held in front of The Kelpies at the Queen Elizabeth II Canal’s pool of reflection.
And Scotland’s government observed a minute’s silence outside their HQ at St Andrews House in Edinburgh. At the Kelpies ninety-six lanterns, one for each year of the Queen’s life, were placed in the nearby canal before wreaths were laid led by mourners.
The service was conducted by The Very Reverend Martin Fair, a former Moderator of the Church of Scotland. Dr Fair described the Queen as a “servant-hearted” woman and said he is confident that she knew how much she was loved and respected across Scotland.
He added: “In only a very short time, the Kelpies have established themselves as one of the iconic sites in modern-day Scotland. I can scarcely think of a better location for this service, not least that the canal is named after Queen Elizabeth and she visited a few years ago with the Duke of Edinburgh.”
Dr Fair, minister of St Andrew’s Parish Church in Arbroath, Angus, visited the Queen at Balmoral Castle just three weeks before she died there on September 8. He said: “It was an enormous privilege to have spent time with her and finding her in such good spirits, bright and sharp was a joy.
“We chatted about all manner of things from Scottish mountains to our respective dogs, to the cost of living crisis and her Platinum Jubilee celebrations.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson led Scotland in the minute of silence from St Andrews House in Edinburgh at 8pm tonight after encouraging community groups, clubs and organisations to take part. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon is in London to attend the Queen’s funeral.
A service has also been held in Glasgow Cathedral led by Rev Mark E. Johnstone, while in Dundee, Lord Provost Bill Campbell had also asked people to take part in the National Moment of Reflection. He said it was an “opportunity to reflect on the life and legacy of Her Majesty and to mourn her passing”.
The minute’s silence was also observed in Ballater, near Balmoral Castle, where a service was also held at the local church. Schools, colleges and universities across Scotland will be closed on Monday along with many shops and visitor attractions after King Charles III approved a UK bank holiday for the day of the funeral of his mother.
Essential services provided by councils will continue, and NHS Scotland said measures were being put in place to enable vital healthcare services to continue, with some planning being made on a local level by Scotland’s 14 health boards.
Thousands of people are expected to gather in Holyrood Park in front of the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh from 8am tomorrow where the funeral service will be broadcast live on a big screen.
It was to the Palace of Holyroodhouse that the Queen’s coffin was brought after she died at Balmoral. Council leader Cammy Day said the screening will provide an opportunity “for us all to come together and pay our final respects to the Queen”.
He added: “I can think of no more fitting venue for the screening – in the Queen’s own park on the doorstep of her beloved Palace of Holyroodhouse – and I hope people of all ages will take this opportunity to say their final farewell to Her Majesty.
“We all share in the nation’s, and indeed the world’s, grief at the loss of our longest serving monarch. As Her Majesty’s funeral takes place in London, we’re proud to be joining in with screenings and services in towns and cities across the United Kingdom.”
“Here in Edinburgh, we can take immense pride in the role our city played in the ceremonial events to mark the Queen’s passing, and I want to thank the many council colleagues, partners and volunteers who each played such a big part in delivering them so gracefully and flawlessly.
“And to the people of Edinburgh for turning out in their thousands to pay their respects. I have no doubt these past few days will be remembered for how brightly Scotland’s capital shone as an example of respect, pride, and professionalism to the world.”
Some churches will also screen the service, including Fettercairn Church, near Laurencekirk, Aberdeenshire and the Tron Church on Bath Street, Glasgow.
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