Clackmannanshire pays tribute following death of Queen Elizabeth II

Representatives and leaders from the Wee County were at Alloa Town Hall to sign a book of condolence, available to the public each day between 9am and 6pm this weekend and next week.

Another book of condolence is available at the Ben Cleuch Centre in Tillicoultry.

Floral tributes may also be laid at Parliament Walk in Alloa as well as at the town hall and staff will direct people to the areas that have been set aside for this purpose.

Leading tributes to a “remarkable lady” was Clackmannanshire Lord Lieutenant Johnny Stewart, the personal representative of the crown in the county.

Having also served in The Royal Company of Archers, which serves as the sovereign's bodyguard in Scotland, he has met her on more than one occasion.

CONDOLENCE: Books of condolence are available in the Wee County and dignitaries are paying tribute after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II - Pictures by Jan van der Merwe

In a statement through the lieutenancy, Lord Lieutenant Johnny Stewart said: “Although we have all seen her frailty in recent months, the actual news of her death has still come as a shock to the nation.

“The longest serving monarch in the history of the country has reigned during seven decades of unprecedented change but has remained throughout a beacon of stability and, above all, duty.

“Fifteen prime ministers have served her, the last of whom she invited to form a government only 48 hours ago.

“The image of Her Majesty doing so will be etched in the memory for many years to come.

“That the passing of the crown to her son, to be styled King Charles III, has taken place with no fuss or ceremony is testament to success of the monarchy albeit a coronation will take place in the future.

“Few, if any, have served the nation in the way in which she has and for the vast majority of the British people they have known no other monarch.

“She took great pride in all of the charitable works which she undertook and was a fierce defender of the Commonwealth and all that it now represented.

“No one, even those less disposed to the Monarchy, doubted the service which was given by her and which will in all likelihood never be repeated.

“One must not forget that, as well as being the head of state, she was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and that her passing will be a time of great personal grief to her entire family.

“To all of them, we extend our condolences and our gratitude for the years of unstinting service to the nation.

“It is now for her son to carry on the duties which Her Majesty discharged with grace and dignity.

“Long live the King.”

Clackmannanshire Provost Donald Balsillie was also at the town hall today, saddened at the news.

CONDOLENCE: Books of condolence are available in the Wee County and dignitaries are paying tribute after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II - Pictures by Jan van der Merwe

He said: “Queen Elizabeth II was the longest reigning monarch in British history and the second-longest serving sovereign monarch in history having been on the throne for 70 years.

“She has been a constant presence in my life and in so many of our lives.

“Many local people will recall Her Majesty’s visit to Clackmannanshire in 1997, when she re-opened the restored Alloa Tower and visited Alva, and some will have fond memories of her visit in 1963.

“On behalf of the Council and all our residents we send our thoughts and prayers to all members of the Royal Family."

CONDOLENCE: Books of condolence are available in the Wee County and dignitaries are paying tribute after the passing of Queen Elizabeth II - Pictures by Jan van der Merwe

Wee County residents may wish to make a donation to one of her many patronages, visit royal.uk for a full list as well as for an online book of condolence.

Nikki Bridle, chief executive at Clackmannanshire Council, also paid tribute.

She said: “As we reflect upon Her Majesty’s lifetime of dedicated service, I think she will be remembered for her enormous sense of duty and commitment to public service.”