THROUGHOUT her 70-year reign, the longest in history, Queen Elizabeth visited Clackmannanshire on two occasions.

It is understood the monarch was visiting Menstrie and the castle in 1963 and was pictured with county convener TR Millar with many residents lining the streets.

Prince Philip and the Queen also visited Dollar, arriving by car from Tillicoultry before leaving on the royal train at Dollar.

Later in 1997, she re-opened the restored Alloa Tower before enjoying a tour of the property, the ancestral home of the earls of Mar and Kellie.

Paying tribute to her service, Provost Donald Balsillie said: "Queen Elizabeth 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."

The Queen was crowned at the age of 27 and has passed away at the age of 96.