Death of Queen Elizabeth is announced

Queen Elizabeth passed away today at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire, aged 96.

Buckingham Palace said she died “peacefully” this afternoon.

Charles, the former Prince of Wales, automatically succeeds to the throne. He will be known as King Charles lll.

He and the Queen Consort will remain at Balmoral tonight, returning to London tomorrow.

Queen Elizabeth ascended to the throne in 1952 to become the longest-reigning monarch in British history and the world's oldest head of state. She celebrated her Platinum Jubilee earlier this summer.

The Queen visited the Western Isles on three official visits, in 1956, in 1979 to open the Comhairle nan Eilean Siar building, and in 2002 for the Golden Jubilee.

She also visited the Western Isles on many other occasions, with her family on cruises aboard the royal yacht Britannia.

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar expressed “deep sadness” at the news of her death.

Comhairle convener, Kenny Macleod, said she had a “very special place in the hearts of the people of these islands.”

He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Royal Family at this sad time.”

An update on local arrangements in the Western Isles will be provided tomorrow morning.

Scotland’s 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.”

In a statement Prime Minister Liz Truss said her death is a “huge shock” to the nation and to the world.

“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built.”

Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said: “I am saddened about the passing of Her Majesty The Queen and offer my deepest condolences to the Royal Family, and those who worked closely with her.

“Her Majesty has been at the forefront of British culture for 70 years. She has been steady in the face of political upheaval and represented a comforting consistency for people across the commonwealth during turbulent times. She will be sorely missed and leave a lasting legacy of patience, practicality and humour.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Queen Elizabeth II represented perhaps the greatest life of public service in the history of our country. Our family of nations is in mourning.

“For seven decades she has been our country’s most recognisable ambassador. Whether it be her wartime service, her patronage of more than 600 charities or her Covid-19 broadcast to the nation, she has been a beacon for so many people. The Queen was loved and touched lives the world over.

“She will be remembered not only as the longest reigning monarch these isles have ever seen but as a steadfast and loyal sovereign, devoted to the wellbeing of her people, “

All parliamentary business at the Scottish Parliament has been suspended as a mark of respect.

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone said: "On behalf of the Scottish Parliament, I convey our deepest and most sincere condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

"This is a day of great sadness for the whole country and a time of deeply personal grief for the Royal Family."

Flags on CalMac vessels flew at half-mast as a mark of respect. Flags were also lowered at the Nicolson Institute and Stornoway Port Authority.

Postal strikes planned for Friday have been call off.

Death of Queen Elizabeth is announced

8 September 2022