West Lothian is in mourning this morning following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at the age of 96.
Buckingham Palace announced the sad news last night that the UK’s longest running monarch had passed away peacefully at Balmoral Castle.
She had struggled to maintain public engagements in recent months due to her health but steadfastly worked right until the end of her life.
At the beginning of the week she carried out the traditional first meeting with a newly appointed Prime Minister but due to mobility issues this was at Balmoral instead of Buckingham Palace.
There has been an outpouring of grief from around the world following her death.
Here in West Lothian, flags are at half mast at West Lothian Civic Centre and council buildings to mark the period of national mourning following her passing.
Books of Condolence will be available at West Lothian Civic Centre and all of West Lothian’s Partnership Centres for members of the public to write down memories of Her Majesty. An online book of condolence will be available shortly.
Members of the public can lay floral or other tributes at any War Memorials across West Lothian, including outside West Lothian Civic Centre in Livingston.
Any cards or tributes laid will be collected the day after the funeral and sent to West Lothian Council’s archives alongside the Books of Condolence.
All planned council events have been cancelled and any scheduled council meetings will begin with a period of silence. Black drapes have been placed around the portrait of The Queen in the Council Chambers at West Lothian Civic Centre.
Provost Cathy Muldoon said a message of sympathy has been sent to The Royal Family on behalf of the people of West Lothian.
She continued: “The Queen has ruled for 70 years, which is longer than any other Monarch in British history. During this time, she became a much loved and respected figure across the globe.
“Her sense of duty and her devotion to a life of service for Great Britain and The Commonwealth was remarkable.
“It’s important to remember that The Queen was also a much-loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, so the Royal Family are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this poignant time.”
West Lothian’s Lord-Lieutenant, Moira Niven MBE, added: “Her Majesty led an extraordinary life and I’d like to extend my sympathy to the entire Royal Family at this very sad time.
“It is impossible to put into words the impact that Her Majesty has had on shaping our great country.
“She lived a long and full life and The Queen will always remain a legendary public figure who carried out Her duty with great honour, dignity, respect, intelligence and kindness. The country will miss Her, dearly.”
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