Scottish memorial project for late Queen will be considered, says Swinney
The First Minister's comments follow the announcement of a national memorial in London's St James's Park.
A Scottish memorial dedicated to the late Queen will be considered, the First Minister has said.
John Swinney welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement of a national memorial at St James's Park in London.
Mr Swinney said a Scottish committee would be created to discuss the potential for a project north of the border.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was known to spend her summers in Royal Deeside, home to Balmoral Castle where she died after a reign lasting 70 years.
Sunday will mark two years since her death and the succession of King Charles III.
Sir Keir Starmer said London's memorial would ensure she will "never be forgotten".
Commenting on the national memorial plans, Mr Swinney said: "My thoughts, and those of the Scottish people, are with the King and the royal family as they mark the second anniversary of the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
"At the time of Her Majesty's passing, many of us reflected on her long life of valued service to the nation, and the respect and admiration she had for the people of Scotland.
"I welcome proposals for a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth in London to mark her life and service across the UK.
"A Scottish committee will also be established to engage with the UK legacy programme and to consider a potential memorial project specific to Scotland."
It's understood plans for the Scottish project are at an early stage and the Scottish Government said it would release further details in due course.
The site in London, a few hundred metres from Buckingham Palace, was approved by the King and the Prime Minister.
Design proposals for the memorial will be submitted later this year and they will be reviewed by the independent Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee.
Public funds will be used to pay for the memorial and the UK Government will also make funding available for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been the Queen's 100th birthday year in 2026.
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