Council Convener and Deputy Convener thank D&G residents for community response to death of The Queen

In an open letter to people living and working in Dumfries and Galloway, Council Convener Cllr Stephen Thompson and Deputy Convener Cllr Linda Dorward today paid tribute to the “warmth and kindness” the region’s residents have shown in marking the death of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

Dated Tuesday 20 September, the day after HM Queen Elizabeth II’s State Funeral, the letter reads:

“Since the sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on Thursday 9 September 2022 there have been a number of tributes paid to her in various ways right across Dumfries and Galloway.

“Your Council has been proud to have helped with this, through flying flags, providing Books of Condolence, ourselves and Chairs and Vice Chairs of all our Committees laying wreaths; and we held a special meeting of Full Council on 13 September 2022 where a number of Councillors, and Members of the Youth Council, paid their respects.

“The main focus, however, has been the community response and we want to thank you for all that you have done to show how much Queen Elizabeth has meant to the people in our region.

“There have been many moving tributes on social media and in the Books of Condolence; many wonderful images and films being shared; many places have seen beautiful flowers laid; and there have been many other acts of remembrance like special services by faith groups, tree-planting, donations to Queen Elizabeth’s charities and screenings of the State Funeral.

“All this is testament not only to the regard we have for our late Queen, but also to the warmth and kindness of our people, too.

“We were also proud to support the Proclamation of the new Sovereign on Sunday 11 September 2022, along with our three Lord-Lieutenants, in Dumfries, Kirkcudbright and Stranraer.

“Sharing this moment of history with local people, Armed Forces representatives and local pipers made for memorable events and we are most grateful to all of you who attended. We look forward to a shared endeavour with King Charles III, particularly in supporting his long-held commitments to the environment, climate change and youth employment – all issues that are important to you and your Council.

“So, thank you again for all you have done to remember Queen Elizabeth II and support King Charles III, it is very much appreciated by your Council.”