Glasgow's past and present Lord Provosts lead local tributes to Queen Elizabeth II
Glasgow’s current and former Lord Provosts have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after it was announced she has died at Balmoral aged 96.
Last updated 9th Sep 2022
Glasgow’s current and former Lord Provosts have paid tribute to Queen Elizabeth II after it was announced she has died at Balmoral aged 96.
Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren, the Lord-Lieutenant of Glasgow and therefore the Queen’s official representative in the city, said Her Majesty had been “a figure of constancy and comfort to many” during her 70-year reign.
Queen Elizabeth’s death was announced in a statement from Buckingham Palace this evening. Her family had gathered at her Scottish estate earlier today after her health declined.
READ MORE: What happens after the Queen dies?
City Chambers Union Jack at half mast
The Union Flag is now flying at half mast at the city chambers and it is understood the Lord Provost will open books of condolence, available at the chambers, in the coming days.
The Lord Provost, who hosts all visits to the city by members of the royal family, said: “It is my sad duty as Lord Lieutenant, to relay that Her Majesty the Queen has passed.
“A monarch who has served with pride, dignity, wisdom and grace for more than 70 years. The longest serving monarch in British history.
“A record-breaking reign that oversaw and withstood many changes and challenges. Her Majesty was a figure of constant and comfort to many. This is a dark day for her family and all those across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth who hold her dear.”
A designated area for floral tributes
Floral tributes are expected to be laid by the public and, it is understood, the front of the city chambers would be designated as an area to do this. Tributes left on public land around Glasgow could be moved to the city chambers for safekeeping.
Former Lord Provost Phillip Braat, who welcomed Queen Elizabeth II to Glasgow during his time in the role, said he was “deeply saddened” to learn of her passing.
“I was glad to welcome her to Glasgow during my term as Lord Provost, and to spend some time with her at the Children’s Wood and the Skypark,” he said. “Her warmth, intelligence and wit was on full display that day, and I know that people across our city will be deeply saddened to hear of her passing.
“She has been a constant in our lives for so long. There are relatively few that can remember a time when Queen Elizabeth II was not the monarch. She touched the lives of so many and came to represent the very best of our country. I send my deepest condolences to the Royal Family.”
"Her spirit lives in each and everyone of us"
Council leader Susan Aitken has also responded to the news, saying: “The world has changed utterly during the Queen’s reign, it’s hard to imagine it without her.
“Her long years of service have meant a great deal to many, including here in Glasgow. This is a time for us to reflect on that and wish the King well for the task that lies ahead of him.”
The city’s Conservative group leader, Thomas Kerr, said the news was “devastating” and thanked the Queen for her “decades of loyal service to our nation”.
He said: “I’m absolutely devastated to hear of the news that Her Majesty, The Queen, passed away this afternoon at Balmoral.
“Her Majesty served our nation with unwavering dedication for over 70 years and we all stand united in our grief today at her sad passing. Like Glaswegians across the city, I know I will be spending time reflecting on a life of dutiful service and unwavering love towards our country and it’s people.
“Queen Elizabeth II may have passed away but her spirit lives in each and everyone of us. May she rest in peace and God Save the King.”
“We join the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning her loss.”
In a statement, Glasgow Labour said the group expresses “its deepest condolences to the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty the Queen”.
“The Queen brought our nation together at times of crisis, providing hope during the darkest of times. We will treasure her service and devotion to our country.
“We join the rest of the Commonwealth in mourning her loss.”
Cllr George Redmond, the leader of the city’s Labour group, said: “My thoughts are with the Royal Family at this sad time.
“The Queen has dedicated her life to public service and brought our country together during the dark times and challenges our nation faced. We owe her immense gratitude for a lifetime of dedication and public service.”
The Queen in Scotland
Holidays at Balmoral
Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and Prince Charles react as they watch an event at the Braemar Highland Gathering, September 2017
Her Majesty's ships
Queen Elizabeth, as Lord High Admiral, inspects her crew of 'pirates' aboard HMS 'Dido' in the Firth of Clyde, 1965
Sombre duties
The Queen talks to American relatives after laying a wreath at the memorial for the victims of the Lockerbie disaster, 1993
Silver Jubilee
Queen Elizabeth greets crowds of wellwishers in Scotland , as part of her Silver Jubilee Tour, May 1977
Royal garden parties
The Queen at the 2017 Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh
Musuem visits
Queen Elizabeth visits Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow following its £28 million refurbishment, 2006
Official openings
Queen Elizabeth attends the ceremonial opening of the Queensferry Crossing September 2017
Childhood visits to Scotland
Princess Elizabeth (left) and Princess Margaret arriving at Glamis with their mother, the Duchess of York, later Queen Elizabeth in August 1933
Commonwealth Games
Queen Elizabeth II reading a speech at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony, 23rd July 2014
Hospital visits
Stan Mitchell from Stonehaven and Senior Physiotherapist Fiona Armstrong chat to The Queen, who opened the Kincardine Community Hospital at Stonehaven 1998
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