One-minute silence observed across the country
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has marked the National Moment of Reflection mourning the death of Her Majesty The Queen.
Mr Swinney led a moment of reflection outside the Scottish Government’s St Andrew’s House in Edinburgh, alongside other Scottish Ministers. They reflected on Her Majesty’s life and legacy during a one-minute silence.
My Swinney was joined by Angus Robertson, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs and Culture, Ben Macpherson, Minister for Social Security and Local Government, Jenny Gilruth, Minister for Transport and Lesley Fraser, Director General Corporate.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “The National Moment of Reflection has been a dignified way for many of us to pay our respects to The Queen, whether in our own homes or at public events, by observing a minute silence.
“In reflecting on Her Majesty’s life and legacy, many of us have considered her long and valued service to the nation and the respect and admiration she had for the people of Scotland. These feelings were reciprocated, and will remain long after we pay our final respects to The Queen as part of tomorrow’s State Funeral.
The First Minister travelled to London earlier on Sunday ahead of The State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen today (Monday), and observed the National Moment of Reflection there.
The First Minister said: “The State Funeral for Her Majesty will be one of the most momentous occasions in recent history, with people from around the world watching and paying their respects. She was the great constant and it is an honour to represent Scotland at the service.
“As the Queen is laid to rest, it gives us a chance to reflect on the events of the past 10 days which have provided a sincere, solemn and fitting tribute to our longest reigning Monarch.
“We knew how important Scotland was to The Queen and, over recent days, we have been reminded just how much Her Majesty meant to the people of Scotland.
“I am sure the ceremonial events in Edinburgh will live long in our national memory and today we will all bid a final and poignant goodbye to a deeply respected and much loved monarch.”
The Presiding Officer, the Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP will represent The Scottish Parliament at the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen today.
The First Minister of Scotland, the Rt Hon Nicola Sturgeon MSP, will represent the Scottish Government. All four party leaders will also attend:
- Douglas Ross MSP, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party
- Anas Sarwar MSP, Scottish Labour Party
- Lorna Slater MSP, Scottish Green Party
- Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP, Scottish Liberal Democrats
The Presiding Officer said: “It will be an honour to represent the Scottish Parliament at the State Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen.
“The Queen was a true friend to the Parliament and her unstinting support helped establish our institution as a central part of Scottish public life.
“Since the announcement of Her Majesty’s passing, people across the country have gathered in their thousands to pay tribute to The Queen. It will be a privilege to join with others from Scotland and far beyond in giving thanks for her life of unrivalled service.”
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