North politicians pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and her 'unmatched' service to the country after she reigned for 70 years which was the longest of any British monarch
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Highland politicians have been paying tribute to Her Majesty the Queen, who died "peacefully" at Balmoral this afternoon, according to Buckingham Palace.
Scottish Conservative Leader and Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross
“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.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family and the entire country at this very difficult time.”
Kate Forbes Finance Secretary and MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch
“The passing of Her Majesty The Queen is deeply sad news, and my immediate thoughts are with those closest to her who now mourn the loss of a mother, grandmother and great grandmother as well as a monarch.
“The Queen has exemplified resilience, faithfulness, humility, respect and grace – values which should be celebrated, cherished and aspired to. She lived a life of immense and constant service from beginning to end.
“As the First Minister has already said, it is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world.”
Maree Todd Health Minister and MSP Caithness, Sutherland & Ross
“I am deeply saddened to hear of Her Majesty’s passing.
“The loss of the Queen will not only be felt in this country but across the globe, where she will be fondly remembered and respected for her sense of duty and devoted service over a reign of 70 years.
“My thoughts and sympathies along with those of my constituents in Caithness, Sutherland & Ross are with the Royal Family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Fergus Ewing MSP for Inverness and Nairn
“Her Majesty's service over her long life is remarkable, without precedent, and hugely appreciated both here in Scotland and throughout the Commonwealth.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with King Charles and all the Royal family at this time.”
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain
“Over 70 years ago the Queen undertook to serve our nation and the commonwealth. She did it in a way that united and brought us together, and her departure will leave us a legacy that should inspire us to achieve the standards she set. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time.”
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant
“I am saddened about the passing of Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II and offer my deepest condolences to the Royal Family, and those who worked closely with her.
“Her Majesty has been at the forefront of British culture for 70 years. She has been steady in the face of political upheaval and represented a comforting consistency for people across the commonwealth during turbulent times.
“She will be sorely missed and leave a lasting legacy of patience, practicality and humour.”
Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston
“The Queen served our country with unparalleled distinction over seventy years. Her loss will be felt by people around the world.
“Her Majesty witnessed huge changes during her long reign, yet remained a constant symbol of duty, even into her later years. From a young woman coming to the throne in 1952 to today, she has shown incredible devotion to her role and her people.
“The expression of affection shown to the Queen during her Diamond Jubilee year, not least here in the Highlands and Islands, has been a testament to the respect and esteem she has held.
“My thoughts and prayers are particularly with the Royal Family, as well as people across the region, the United Kingdom and the wider Commonwealth.
“I wish the new King well at this difficult time.”
Highland Council Convener, Bill Lobban
“On behalf of the Highland Council and communities of the Highlands, we join the nation in mourning for Her Majesty The Queen.
"We extend our heartfelt sympathies to all members of The Royal Family and Household and honour Her Majesty The Queen’s long service and duty to the country.”
The Highland Council will observe a 1 minute silence as a mark of respect for Her Majesty The Queen, tomorrow, 9 September 2022 at 11am.
Ian Blackford, SNP Westminster Leader and MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber
"Her Majesty The Queen and her family are in my thoughts at this time, and I join everyone across Scotland and the UK in paying tribute to the legacy of a remarkable period of monarchy led by the same women for over 70 years.
"It truly is a moment in time to witness the end of such a staggering length of service from Queen Elizabeth II. I, and I am sure, everyone across these islands are eternally grateful to her and stand humbled in her memory."
Drew Hendry, MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey
"I’m deeply saddened to hear of Her Majesty the Queen’s passing. No one can question her unwavering dedication to public service throughout her life. My condolences to her family and to the many others who will share in their grief."
Jamie Stone, MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
“The Queen had been there for my entire life. She seemed as permanent as the mighty hill Lochnagar near Balmoral Castle.
“Ever since I could remember, the Queen seemed to be summed up by one single picture. That is the famous one of her in her Auxiliary Territorial Service uniform. Changing the wheel of a lorry during the Second World War.
“Right from the United Kingdom's darkest hours of war, to her sad death, she has been an example to us all in how she fulfilled her duty and got on with the job. On behalf of my constituents, I mourn the passing of a great lady and wish her family well.”
