Commenting on the announcement of the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II, Martin Whitfield MSP said: 

“Her Majesty’s passing is a sad time for people in the South of Scotland and the whole country, but most of all for the Royal Family who have lost a mother, a grandmother and a great-grandmother. Our hearts go out to the family and my deepest condolences are with them.

“Throughout her reign, the Queen was always a great source of reassurance, compassion and unity, linking people and communities locally, through to a national level in Scotland, the UK and the Commonwealth. Her dedication to public service and to the nation was an inspiration to all and will never be forgotten.  

“In East Lothian we were fortunate to welcome her on various visits over the years, including to Musselburgh Racecourse, and I know that the people who met her will cherish the memories of those times.”