A PRO-INDEPENDENCE think tank and business network has cancelled its annual dinner citing the Queen’s passing.
The Queen died at Balmoral aged 96 on Thursday, Buckingham Palace announced. The UK is now in a period of mourning for the former monarch, which is expected to last around 12 days.
The UK Government has issued guidance on whether or not to cancel large events during this time, which makes clear that there is “no obligation” for sporting fixtures or entertainment events to be called off.
However, the document says organisers may want to consider postponing events should they fall on the day of the state funeral – the date of which is yet to be confirmed – as a “mark of respect”.
READ MORE: The Queen's body will be moved to Edinburgh from Balmoral, following her death
The vast majority of political activity has been suspended due to the monarch’s death, with the Scottish Parliament closed, most political parties putting campaigning on hold, and trade unions cancelling their scheduled strikes.
On Friday night the Business for Scotland annual dinner, due to be held on Friday, September 16 in Glasgow and feature an address from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, was officially postponed.
“This decision has been taken out of respect for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the official period of mourning,” a spokesperson said.
READ MORE: What lies in store for disgraced Prince Andrew after death of the Queen?
“Our events team are working hard to secure a new date. As soon as we have a date that the First Minister and the other attending Government Ministers can attend we will email everyone,” attendees were advised.
Meanwhile on Friday, it was confirmed that All Under One Banner’s planned pro-independence rally in Falkirk had been called off and would instead take place next year.
“What matters most is securing Scottish independence as soon as possible. Next up, we march at Edinburgh on October 1,” the group added.
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