Tributes paid as death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is announced
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
The 96-year-old monarch has passed away at her Balmoral estate on Royal Deeside.
The Queen had been placed under medical supervision this morning amid growing concerns for her health.
And members of the royal family made their way to Balmoral to be with her.
Her death comes less than 48 hours after she installed a new Prime Minister in Liz Truss at Balmoral – the first time that has been done away from Buckingham Palace during her reign.
Queen Elizabeth II came to the throne on February 6, 1952 and celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.
Tributes to Her Majesty – the country’s longest reigning monarch – are being made far and wide including in the Highlands.
Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey MP Drew Hendry said: “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.”
Ian Blackford, MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber and SNP Westminster Leader, said: “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.”
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP Jamie Stone was among them.
“The Queen had been there for my entire life,” he said.
“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 (ATS) uniform, changing the wheel of a lorry during the World War II.
“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.”
Maree Todd, MSP for Caithness, Sutherland and Ross, also made a statement.
She said: “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 and Ross are with the Royal Family at this incredibly difficult time.”
It is only a few months since the country celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
Highland Council convener Bill Lobban sent his “sincere congratulations” to the Queen in June for her 70 years’ reign.
A number of communities and care homes across the Highlands also held their own celebrations including Ballifeary Care Home in Inverness where assistant matron Lorna Davies said: “I think the Jubilee is a celebration of age.
“The Queen is a good role model in showing age is not a barrier to enjoying life and continuing to be vibrant.”
