Scotland Mourns

Thousands of men, women and children pay their respects

-  ALAN MCEWEN and MARK MCGIVERN

TWO-YEAR-OLD Elizabeth Ewan named after the Queen and her own granny- was among thousands across Scotland who took the time to pay tribute to Queen Elizabeth yesterday. Elizabeth Ewan came to the Royal Family's official Scottish residence at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh with her family.

As she laid flowers, her dad said: "We just wanted to pay our respects.

She's been an amazing lady these last 70 years so we wanted to respond.

Speaking about his daughter, he added: "This is Elizabeth, she's named after her granny and after our Queen." In the nearby Scottish Parliament building, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone signed a book of condolence opened for MSPs to sign. She said: "I personally wanted to pay tribute to Her Majesty The Queen for her loyal service to her country and for her commitment to the Scottish Parliament which never wavered, even towards the end of her life.

Thousands flocked to Holyrood Palace yesterday and hundreds of bouquets of flowers were left beside a palace outer wall, many carrying handwritten notes.

Shona Barry and Elaine Roberts Grimsey, both 64, were among those who came to lay flowers. The friends were classmates in primary school when they caught a glimpse of the Queen during a state visit to Edinburgh by King Olav of Norway in 1962.

Shona, a retired radiographer, said: "We saw her coming down from Edinburgh Castle in a horse-drawn carriage and now we're here all those years later.

"She's been part of our national identity and, with Holyrood Palace, she's been a real part of Edinburgh.

Elaine, a marketing worker, said: "People will remember her 70 years of unstinting service. She always seemed like a person who had time for everyone.

Graham, 65, a city florist, said: "I hope to get the chance to pay my respects at St Giles Cathedral up the road when the Queen there lies in state.