The Queen - one year on - Scotland's political leaders pay tribute
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00:00 One year since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, it presents a moment for
00:12 reflection on a long and dedicated life of public service. I am sure that colleagues
00:18 will remember with great pride the beauty of Scotland's landscapes and, perhaps more
00:23 importantly, the warmth of Scotland's people on Her Majesty's final journey. Her Majesty's
00:30 deep fondness for Scotland was well known. It is here that Queen Elizabeth chose to spend
00:36 her most private family moments each summer. It is within the halls and gardens of the
00:42 palace of Holyroodhouse that Her Majesty welcomed thousands of community leaders, volunteers,
00:50 artists, activists, faith leaders and essential and key workers in recognition of their service
00:57 to Scotland.
00:58 On behalf of the people of Scotland, I send my thoughts to King Charles and the royal
01:03 family in their private remembrance tomorrow.
01:11 Tomorrow our thoughts will be with the King and the royal family on the first anniversary
01:15 of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Twelve months ago, thousands of Scots
01:21 gathered as her cortege made the final poignant six-hour journey from Balmoral to Holyrood
01:26 Palace, as she had wished. Flowers marked the route in Ballater, bagpipes played in
01:31 a boyne, farmers lined their tractors on the roadside and thousands stood on the Royal
01:37 Mile to pay their last respects.
01:40 Our late Queen brought the country together in her life and in her death. The late Queen
01:46 cherished Scotland and, in her passing, the country showed how much it cherished her.
01:52 Tomorrow marks one year since we lost our late Queen, but every day since then we have
01:57 remembered her warmth, her leadership and her unstinting and dedicated service to this
02:02 country for 70 years.
02:08 Our longest-serving monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, was a dedicated public servant, demonstrating
02:14 strength, leadership and empathy when her country needed it the most. She brought our
02:19 nation together at times of crisis and left a legacy of compassion in the various causes
02:25 she championed. She reminded us that, despite our political disagreements and arguments,
02:31 everyone here in Holyrood is here in the service of the Scottish people. Her kindness, wisdom
02:37 and integrity are timeless values that we pass down through the generations. Scotland
02:43 will remember her fondly.
02:50 The passing of Her Majesty ended a constancy in the lives of everyone in the chamber. It
02:55 was a moment in time that will come to define the early years of this century. Across these
02:59 islands, the Commonwealth and, indeed, the whole world, there was a collective sigh of
03:04 sadness and thanksgiving for her life of service.
03:08 In the minutes, hours and days that followed the announcement from the palace, Operation
03:12 Unicorn unfolded with quiet precision. I pay particular tribute to the staff of this Parliament
03:18 and public service workers across Scotland for the many hours and days they dedicated
03:23 to that task. From the roadsides of Aberdeenshire to the catafalque at Westminster Hall, those
03:29 days showed Scotland and the United Kingdom at its very best. Her Majesty would have been
03:34 pleased that so many marked her passing by engaging in the great British pastime of standing
03:40 in line.
03:41 On this anniversary and all those to come, we hold the royal family in our thoughts and
03:46 remember the extraordinary life and service of Queen Elizabeth II.
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