Jackie Baillie and Pam Gosal pay tribute to Queen

Queen Elizabeth II passed away at Balmoral on Thursday after 70 years on the throne.

Jackie Baillie MSP said: “It is a very sad time for the country following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

“I know many people across the country will be mourning her loss. She has served the nation with grace, humour and intelligence for the last 70 years and will leave an incredible legacy which will rightly be praised over the coming days, weeks and months.

“She has been an inspiration to the Commonwealth and to the world.

“The Queen was above all a mother, a grandmother, and a great grandmother, so my condolences are to her family. She was much loved and respected and will be much missed.”

The Dumbarton constituency MSP’s office on Church Street in Dumbarton is to remain closed until further notice.

Ms Baillie added: “As a mark of respect, my constituency office is currently closed to the public however I will be dealing with all urgent enquiries by phone or email.

“My surgeries on September 16 will not take place in person. I would encourage anyone with any urgent concerns to phone my office and we will do what we can to help.”

West Scotland MSP Pam Gosal is also among those who have paid tribute to the late monarch.

She said: “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

“At this moment my thoughts and prayers are with all our Royal Family, friends, and the nation – all of whom are mourning the loss of our dear Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty has been a constant in all our lives, and we always have and always will have an unwavering love and respect for her.

“For 70 years Her Majesty has been the beating heart of our nation. Her Majesty stands at the heart of British values, at the core of our identity as a nation, for she was not only our leader and Queen, but a mother to our United Kingdom and Commonwealth.

“Her Majesty, we will never forget all that you done for our nation in your 70 years of service.”