Queen Elizabeth II: Falkirk pays tribute after Her Majesty dies at Balmoral

The announcement of the monarch’s death was made by Buckingham Palace at 6.30pm.

It followed an earlier announcement saying the Queen's doctors are “concerned for Her Majesty's health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision”.

The statement added she was comfortable.

Commenting on the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Provost Robert Bissett said: “It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

“I offer my heartfelt sympathies to the Royal Family at this very difficult time and on behalf of everyone in our local communities.

"Her duty and service to this country and Commonwealth has been outstanding. Her tireless work across the globe brought calm, dignity, and warmth to every location she visited and inspired so many.

“Her Majesty, The Queen has ruled for longer than any other Monarch in our history and has given so much of her life to help others. Her legacy will be remembered for many, many years to come.”

It was followed by a tribute from Falkirk MP John McNally, who said: “My thoughts and condolences are with the Queen’s family at this sad time.

“She has been a steadfast figure throughout her reign, beginning when she was just 27, and she would have seen the world change with every decade.

“My personal memory is of meeting her, and her husband, at the Kelpies where we shared a joke, and laugh. I was struck by her warmth and humour. After losing my own mum, who was in her nineties when she passed, I can say that the loss for her loved ones will be very deep.

“It must be a comfort to her family to know that she spent her last days at Balmoral – a place she loved dearly and where she would enjoy many happy summers throughout her life.”

The Provost’s words have been echoed by local politicians, across the council chamber.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, the leader of the council and of the SNP group, said: “Queen Elizabeth meant many things to many people, and her presence meant that she was well received and celebrated in many countries. There is no doubt that her loss will be felt around the world.

“My thoughts are with her family as they mourn the loss of a loving mother and grandmother with young ones facing the prospect of growing up without her in their lives. It is a moment to reflect upon our own losses over the years and give thought to her family at this sad time.

“It is also a reminder that we, as elected officials, should strive to do the best for our communities. Despite the range of views there are on any monarchy, it is without question that Queen Elizabeth strived to do her best wherever she went and that is something we should all aspire to.”

The Labour group on Falkirk Council also paid tribute to Her Majesty.

Depute leader Euan Stainbank said: “The Falkirk Labour Group would like to express our deep sadness at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Our condolences go to her entire family and the country as we enter a period of national mourning. We must recognise the immense life and influence she had on our country over her 70 years of service.”

James Kerr, leader of the Falkirk Conservatives on Falkirk Council said: “We mourn the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. Our country will miss her, but will not forget her nor the values she brought to public life. Service, respect, humility, dignity, and pragmatism; she led a wonderful example for her son, King Charles III. God Save The King.”

Alan Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant Stirling and Falkirk, paid this tribute: “The whole of Stirling and Falkirk will join me in mourning the death of Her Majesty The Queen. It is a time of great sadness for the whole country, the Commonwealth and, of course, her family.

“After more than 70 years on the throne, Her Majesty was the longest serving Head of State in the world and the longest ever serving monarch in the British Isles. During her reign she was an inspiration to millions of people throughout the UK and Commonwealth.

"Hers was a life of selfless dedication to duty. It was on her 21st birthday 75 years ago that the then Princess Elizabeth said, ‘I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service’. That was a promise that she never broke, and we are indeed very fortunate that her life was long and we have able to benefit from her example and extraordinary wisdom over many years. She was a symbol of stability and constancy during a period of unprecedented change.

“Her last visit to Stirling was in June 2021 when she was welcomed to Stirling Castle to open the new Museum of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders. In 2017 she came to the Kelpies and opened a new stretch of canal to the sea. Everyone present on either occasion will remember how happy and cheerful she was.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to His Majesty The King and the other members of the Royal Family. We look forward to supporting His Majesty through the years ahead.”

Central Scotland MSP Stephen Kerr said: “The nation mourns the passing of an extraordinary woman. In 70 years our Queen embodied service, tradition and pragmatism, playing a huge role in the wellbeing of the United Kingdom.

“We will not soon forget her, nor will our children and grandchildren. Long after she reaches her place of rest alongside her beloved Philip, the people of the United Kingdom will remember her as the Queen who was at the head of our country from the post-war period all the way to the 21st Century without ever looking out of place or behind the times.

“It is a matter of great personal sadness to me that someone I looked up to has moved on, as it will be for many millions across the country.

“While she was Queen Elizabeth II, head of state of the United Kingdom and 14 other countries around the world, to others she was mum, grandma, or great-grandma. My thoughts are also with the Royal Family at this time.

“Long Live King Charles III. God Save The Queen.”

A spokesperson for Strathcarron Hospice said: “Our thoughts are with the Royal family today on the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“Her daughter, HRH The Princes Royal holds a special place in our hearts since she first visited the Hospice in 1982.

“Our Queen. A wife, sister, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother. She will be dearly missed.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “The death of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth is a profoundly sad moment for the UK, the Commonwealth and the world.

“Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service.

“On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to The King and the Royal Family.”