Ross pays tribute at Holyrood to the Queen
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HIGHLANDS and Islands MSP Douglas Ross has delivered a tribute to Her Majesty the Queen in the Scottish Parliament.
Mr Ross, who is also the Scottish Conservative Party leader and MP for Moray, said in his Motion of Condolence that news of Her Majesty's death had "rocked us to the core".
He continued: "For so many of us, it is difficult to imagine the country without her.
"The Queen seemed as permanent as the stones of Edinburgh Castle, a constant while her country has changed around her.
"When Queen Elizabeth II became monarch, Winston Churchill was Prime Minister – and she was served in that role by 15 political leaders, offering them a wealth of wise counsel from her long experience.
"The length of the Queen’s reign meant that she was an anchor to our history, ensuring that whatever the changes to our country and how we lived our lives – we retained an enduring link to the generations that had come before.
"She was a living reminder of their sacrifices to build the country and the world that we live in today.
"What other world leader could have reassured their nation in the darkest days of the Covid pandemic by drawing on her memories of children being separated from their families during the Blitz?
"Time and time again Her Majesty gave us certainty, stability, joy and happiness when we needed it most."
Mr Ross went on to reflect on what he said was the special place the Queen had in her heart for Scotland, a feeling which had been more than reciprocated in the tributes offered since her passing.
He continued: "While Monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, we know the late Queen held Scotland close to her heart – and we held her to ours.
"We feel the pain of her loss so strongly with our new King and the entire Royal Family today. As they grieve on a personal level, we join them in mourning as a nation.
"At the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 1999, Her late Majesty spoke with fondness of the Scottish qualities of grit, determination, humour, forthrightness and a strong sense of identity.
"She continued by saying: 'These qualities reflect a Scotland which – if I may make a personal point – occupy such a special place in my own and my family’s affections'.
"And we know the bonds and ties to Scotland, developed and strengthened by the last Monarch will be continued by King Charles III. You, Sir, became the first sovereign to accede to the throne while on Scottish soil in over 400 years.
"You have already served Scotland with great dedication as Duke of Rothesay, Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Carrick, Baron of Renfrew, Lord of the Isles and Prince and Great Steward of Scotland.
"And I know that people across the country will show you the same support and devotion as they did your late mother. Because today we don’t just commemorate the reign of our Queen but also celebrate the life of a woman who many in Scotland knew and loved.
"Who dedicated her life to her country, to duty and to serving others.
"On behalf of the Scottish Conservatives, I am proud to support the motion of condolence today, to thank Queen Elizabeth II for her long, loyal and dignified service and to offer our full support and loyalty to our new King.
"May Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second rest in glorious and eternal peace. And, from all of us Sir, God save the King.”
