Stirling’s public figures have paid tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II.
Following the passing of the late monarch last week, warm eulogies have honoured Britain’s longest-serving sovereign.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alexander Stewart said he has “deep admiration” for the Queen, including her tireless work and service. Mr Stewart said: “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’s 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.
“However, she took this on board and was unwavering in her loyalty to her people for nearly three quarters of a century in her role as Queen and Head of State of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, crown dependencies and British overseas territories, head of the Commonwealth and Patron of myriad organisations, charities and associations.”
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He continued: “Her 21st Birthday declaration read: ‘I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.’
“With this and all her subsequent work in mind, Her Majesty’s loss is immeasurable to our country, the Commonwealth and overseas territories, and my thoughts and prayers are with her children, her grandchildren, great grandchildren and all our royal family at this extremely sad time.”
Alan Simpson OBE, the Lord-Lieutenant Stirling and Falkirk, added his own tribute, saying: “During her reign, she was an inspiration to millions of people throughout the UK and Commonwealth. Her’s was a life of selfless dedication to duty.”
Also referring to the Queen’s 21st birthday declaration, Mr Simpson continued: “That was a promise that she never broke, and we are indeed very fortunate that her life was long and we have able to benefit from her example and extraordinary wisdom over many years.
“She was a symbol of stability and constancy during a period of unprecedented change.
“Her last visit to Stirling was in June 2021 when she was welcomed to Stirling Castle to open the new Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In 2017, she came to the Kelpies and opened a new stretch of canal to the sea. Everyone present on either occasion will remember how happy and cheerful she was.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to His Majesty The King and the other members of the royal family. We look forward to supporting His Majesty through the years ahead.”
Councillor Neil Benny said: “This is a very sad time for our country. Her Majesty the Queen was a dignified and steadfast servant to the whole United Kingdom. I recall the time she visited Stirling to grant us our city status when I was in the crowds outside the municipal buildings.
“With her passing we should all be grateful for her life and her contribution to our country. Her life and service was an example to us all. God save King Charles III and may the example set by his mother, guide him and our nation into the future.”
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said: “It is with sadness that we mourn the death of the Queen. She led a life dedicated to public service and will be missed across these islands.
“My thoughts, and those of the people of Stirling, are with the royal family at this time.” Stirling’s MSP, Evelyn Tweed, added: “I want to convey my deepest condolences to King Charles III and the royal family. This is an incredibly sad moment for Scotland, the UK and the wider Commonwealth and the world.
“Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth’s dedication to public service over 70 years was truly extraordinary. Her love for Scotland was evident throughout her life and I hope that the warmth displayed by the Scottish public since her passing has given the royal family some comfort at this difficult time.”
