Speyside locals pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen
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SPEYSIDE locals have joined people from across the country by paying tribute to Her Majesty the Queen today.
Books of condolence have been made available for members of the public to sign throughout Moray following Her Majesty's tragic passing yesterday.
People from around Speyside have already paid tribute this morning by signing the book at the Aberlour Parish Church and some have left flowers at the adjacent war memorial in the village square.
Claire-Louise Battersby and her family were the first members of the public to sign the book this morning.
"She was just a remarkable woman and I'm sure we'll never see her like again," Claire-Louise said.
"We just wanted to do something to mark the moment because it is so significant and we're all going to miss that sense of stability you got from her.
"It's like losing your grandmother and it feels a bit like the ship has lost its anchor. We'll miss her.
"I was crying last night when I read over an obituary. I was reading it out loud and I got to a point where I couldn't speak. She was just incredible."
Claire-Louise was joined by Chris and Bruce Williams as well as John Battersby in signing the book.
"Most of us don't know anything more than that," Bruce said.
"It's just always been her. She knew the power she wielded and she used it wisely."
Chris added: "She worked until the doctors told her to stop.
"I don't think many would work for 70 years. She was just a remarkable woman."
Reverend Andrew Kimmitt, Minister for Aberlour Parish Church, and Patricia Lawson, Deputy Lieutenant for Banffshire, also paid tribute to the late queen.
Reverend Kimmitt said: "Seven decades of service is remarkable. She was a remarkable woman. As someone in the church, her faith has always been particularly inspiring and her leadership of the nation has been remarkable.
"It's right that the nation's prayers are with her family."
Mrs Lawson added: "She touched the lives of so many people.
"Those who have come along so far were very moved and they said that they felt that she was part of their family. I think that is how many people will feel."
The books of condolence across Moray will remain available to sign until 6pm today and 8am-8pm thereafter until the day after Her Majesty's state funeral.
