Prince Philip: Condolences sent from Scottish political leaders
Scotland's main political parties have suspended campaigning following the news of the Duke of Edinburgh's death
Scotland's First Minister has expressed her sympathies following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh.
Nicola Sturgeon has sent a message of condolence to Her Majesty The Queen following the announcement.
Flags are flying at half-mast on Scottish Government buildings and online Books of Condolence are due to open.
Scotland's five main political parties have also suspended campaigning for the up-coming Holyrood election in May, following the news.
The First Minister said: “On behalf of the people of Scotland, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to Her Majesty The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family.
“Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time and their grief is shared by people across the country.
“The Duke of Edinburgh had deep and longstanding ties to Scotland, attending school here at Gordonstoun and regularly holidaying at Balmoral Castle.
“From his patronage of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, to his close association with the University of Edinburgh as Chancellor for over fifty years and his commitments to countless charities and organisations, Prince Philip’s long contribution to public life in Scotland will leave a profound mark on its people.
“Online Books of Condolence will open in the coming days to allow people to pay their respects. In line with current restrictions, the Royal Household has requested that members of the public do not leave floral tributes or gather at the Palace of Holyroodhouse or Balmoral Castle at this time. The Palace has suggested that people could donate to charity instead, if they wish to do so.”
Anas Sarwar, Scottish Labour leader, said: “Scotland is today mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant who contributed so much to our country.
“My thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen following the death of her beloved husband and the entire Royal Family, and on behalf of the Scottish Labour Party I offer our sincerest sympathies.
“Prince Philip had a deep love for Scotland and we will now come together as a country to remember his life and mark his distinguished career.”
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “In the middle of a political campaign, this is a reminder of what’s most important in life.
“We have lost a tremendous public servant who for decades served his Queen and country. My heartfelt condolences are with Her Majesty and all of the Royal Family.
“We have suspended our campaign effective immediately.”
A spokesperson for the Scottish Greens said: “We recognise that the passing of the Duke of Edinburgh will be felt deeply by some across the country and express our sympathies with his family, who join many others who have lost loved ones in this last year.
“We are suspending our campaigning today.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie said: “This marks an end to an outstanding life of 99 years and decades of outstanding public service too. Often colourful, sometimes controversial but always dedicated to his wife, The Queen, and to his country.
“The Duke of Edinburgh scheme in particular will be a specific legacy that will endure for years.”
Former First Minister Alex Salmond said: “On behalf of the ALBA Party, my condolences go to Her Majesty the Queen. The Duke of Edinburgh was the longest serving consort in history and no-one can question that record of public service. The Duke of Edinburgh Awards gave hope and purpose to generations of young people. On a personal level I found Prince Phillip direct and forthright but always welcoming and with a fine, enquiring mind”
The Right Honourable the Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Councillor Philip Braat said today: “The news of the passing of The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, is a very sad day for the nation.
“I will be sending my deepest condolences from the people of Glasgow to Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family.
“Today, they are mourning a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great grandfather and a man who has been the Queen’s closest aide for many, many years.
“The Prince bore his recent illness with the same courage and determination that he lived his life and it is very sad to hear today that he has lost his battle.
“As a city, we will now pay our respects to the Royal Family in a dignified and appropriate way.”