The relationship between the Queen and Scotland was "one of shared admiration", Ian Blackford has said as MPs marked the life of the country's longest-reigning sovereign.
The SNP leader at Westminster was among the first speakers in a special Commons session that will run throughout the day until 10pm.
MPs from all parties will wait in turn to for the chance to pay tribute to Elizabeth II, who died aged 96 at Balmoral Castle yesterday.
Blackford spoke of the Queen's love of her rural estate in Aberdeenshire and her fondness for all things Scottish.
He told MPs: "I am struck with just how many people across Scotland have had a first-hand encounter with the Queen.
"Whether they have been invited to one of her Holyrood garden parties, or had the pleasure to meet her at one of the many hundreds of events, walk-abouts or official openings, including that of our Scottish Parliament.
"Or whether she has taken them wholly by surprise with chance encounter in the countryside or villages near Balmoral, people the length and breadth of Scotland have their own tales of their individual meetings with the Queen.
"Because, she was a monarch who reigned with compassion and integrity and who established a deep connection with the public.
"And the affection which the Queen had for Scotland, and that Scotland has for the Queen, cannot be under-estimated."
The SNP MP added: "The relationship between Scotland and the Queen was one of shared admiration. Indeed, while she was everyone’s Queen, for many in Scotland, she was Elizabeth, Queen of Scots. Her Majesty’s roots in Scotland run deep.
"She is descended from the Royal House of Stewart on both sides of her family and, of course, her mother was from Glamis in Angus. It is clear that these family ties gave way to a great and enduring affection and Scotland was a place that was truly held dear to her, not only in an official capacity but in a private capacity as well.
"It is well known that Balmoral, with its beautiful and atmospheric scenery, was the Queen’s favourite home.
"Balmoral was a place where she was able to enjoy freedom, peace and an ability to indulge her love of the great outdoors; whether that was walking with her dogs, riding on horses, hosting picnics and BBQs – or from behind the wheel of her Landrover.
"It is clear that Balmoral has been a place of peace and sanctuary for her throughout her whole life, and perhaps particularly so, following the death of her husband, life companion and love, His Royal Highness, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
"It is therefore fitting, perhaps, that she has met her final peace at Balmoral, a place where she found such enjoyment and comfort."
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