ALL parliamentary business has been suspended at Holyrood as a mark of respect to the Queen in the wake of her passing, the presiding officer has confirmed.
The Queen died at Balmoral on Thursday afternoon, Buckingham Palace confirmed this evening, at the age of 96.
Tributes to the monarch have flooded in from across the domestic and international political world.
In a statement, Scottish Parliament presiding officer Alison Johnstone said there would be no business in Holyrood until further notice.
“On behalf of the Scottish Parliament, I convey our deepest and most sincere condolences to His Majesty King Charles III and the Royal Family following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth,” she said.
“This is a day of great sadness for the whole country and a time of deeply personal grief for the royal family.
“The Queen was an extraordinary woman, who led an extraordinary life of service. From the day that this parliament was established in 1999, Her Majesty showed her unwavering support for the institution and the time and importance she gave to that relationship is hugely appreciated.
“The Parliament will have an opportunity to consider a motion of condolence and reflect on the life of this much loved and much respected monarch whose enduring bond with Scotland and the Scottish people will long be remembered.”
Johnstone confirmed that the flags outside the Parliament in Edinburgh have also been lowered as a mark of respect.
READ MORE: Operation Unicorn: What happens when the Queen dies in Scotland?
Her announcement came after Scotland’s First Minister paid tribute to the Queen.
“Her life was one of extraordinary dedication and service,” Nicola Sturgeon said.
“On behalf of the people of Scotland, I convey my deepest condolences to the King and the royal family.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross described the Queen as “a national treasure who represented the very best of our United Kingdom throughout her entire life”.
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