Politicians unite in sorrow

Braemar's Highland Games were a favourite in her diary

The death of the Queen Mother has been met with great sadness by Scotland's political leaders.

The Scottish Parliament is expected to be recalled next week to mark her passing.

First Minister Jack McConnell said: "I offer my sincere condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal family following the death of Her Royal Highness, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

"On behalf of Scotland, the country of her upbringing, I would like to pay tribute to her tremendous public service.

Jack McConnell: "Special relationship with Scotland"

"The Queen Mother had a special relationship with Scotland and Scotland had a special affection for her.

"Her dedication brought joy to countless people and Scots from every walk of life will mourn her death."

Scottish Secretary Helen Liddell said the Queen Mother's deep love of Scotland "stayed with her to the end".

She said: "I send my condolences to the Queen and the Royal Family."

Deputy First Minister Jim Wallace said: "The Queen Mother was a remarkable and gracious lady, whose long life was indeed a life of service.

The Queen Mother was born in Scotland and retained a very strong devotion to life within this country

John Swinney
SNP leader

"The Queen Mother never forgot her Scottish roots, so today, in Scotland we particularly mourn the passing of someone with whom we enjoyed a special affinity."

Mr Wallace, the leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, said the Queen Mother had been an inspiration in war and peacetime.

Scottish National Party leader John Swinney said: "On behalf of the Scottish National Party I express my deepest regret to Her Majesty the Queen on the death of the Queen Mother.

"The Queen Mother was born in Scotland and retained a very strong devotion to life within this country and she will be missed by many many people across Scotland."

'Truly remarkable lady'

The Queen Mother was described as "one of the greatest and most loved Scots of all time", by Scottish Tory leader David McLetchie.

Mr McLetchie said: "Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was a truly remarkable lady who was rightly held in the greatest possible affection by millions of people throughout the length and breadth of the United Kingdom.

"Her death is a time for us all to reflect on a lifetime of impeccable service to our nation."

Sir David Steel, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, said MSPs would be recalled from Easter recess on one day next week to pay tribute to a "great daughter of Scotland".

The death was met with unanimous sorrow

Glasgow's Lord Provost, Alex Mosson, said: "I was very saddened to hear of the death of the Queen Mother.

"She was particularly interested in Glasgow and the city's Queen Mother's Maternity Hospital."

The Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Eric Milligan, said: "It is a very sad day - the end of an era.

"Nearly all the British people will have known the Queen Mother all their lives and admired her sense of duty."

Scottish Borders Council said books of condolence would be placed in public buildings, a move which was expected to be emulated across Scotland.

Civic Head, Councillor Alastair Hewat, said: "Whilst we were all aware of the failing health of Her Majesty the Queen Mother, the news has, nonetheless come as a shock and I know that her loyal subjects throughout the Scottish Borders will want to convey their very sincere condolences."