East Renfrewshire’s Provost has paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II as books of condolence have been opened at council offices.
The death of the UK’s longest serving monarch, at the age of 96, was announced in a statement from Buckingham Palace yesterday. Her family had earlier gathered at Balmoral after her health declined.
At East Renfrewshire Council’s headquarters in Eastwood, the Union Flag is flying at half-mast and Provost Mary Montague has laid a floral tribute. Members of the public wishing to lay their own tributes can do so on a grassed area outside the Eastwood base.
READ MORE: Glasgow guidance on where you can pay tribute to the Queen and lay flowers
Books of condolence have also been opened at the council's Eastwood and Barrhead offices following the death of Her Majesty.
After the Queen’s death was announced, she said: “The thoughts of the residents of East Renfrewshire are with the Royal Family at this extremely difficult time.
“The Queen demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment to duty throughout her Reign and did so with a graceful strength and admirable determination.
“This is a period of public grief when people who do not know each other come together to mourn a national figure who has been consistent throughout our lives and for whom we have collective affection, despite not knowing her personally.”
Members of the public who wish to sign the books of condolence can do so between 9am and 5pm, from Monday to Saturday, at either office.
Conservative MSP Jackson Carlaw was present at the opening of the book of condolence in Eastwood. He said: “I am certain that all over Scotland today, people will be awash with reflection.
“Reflecting with a profound sense of gratitude on a long life and an unprecedented reign of duty, services and compassion; all discharged with good humour, selfless commitment and an appreciation of our history together with the history of the many realms, countries and people she came to know across the world.”
He added: “Our thoughts and our good wishes today are with His Majesty the King and the entire Royal Family.”
Cllr Katie Pragnell, Labour, said she was “saddened to hear of the death of Her Majesty the Queen”.
“My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this difficult time. The Queen dedicated her life to service and for that we should be immensely grateful.”
Cllr David Macdonald, independent, said: “My sincere condolences go to The King, and the Royal Family at this very sad time for them and for many people throughout the country and the world.
“The Queen’s lifetime of dedicated service to the United Kingdom and to the Commonwealth, as Head of State, and also to Scotland, has been absolutely remarkable.
“She was a constant presence in all of our lives and a steadfast symbol of public duty. May she rest in peace.”
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