Blairgowrie’s tribute
More than 100 people mark UK-wide ‘moment of reflection’
More than 100 people joined in a UK-wide ‘moment of reflection’ in the Wellmeadow in Blairgowrie on Sunday to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II.
Piper Calum Patterson, pictured above, from Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band, played a number of pieces of music over the course of the evening event, which was coordinated by Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council.
Rev Kim Lafferty, rector for ABC Saints in east Perthshire, spoke at the ceremony, which was held the day before the late monarch’s state funeral at Westminster Abbey in London.
She said: “During these past 10 days, I have had the privilege to listen to countless people who have shared their own memories and reflections about who Queen Elizabeth was to them.
“Unstinting and dedicated service were among some of the most common reflections, but along with them was another key observation – as many spoke of her deep and unwavering faith.”
More than 100 people joined in a UK-wide ‘moment of reflection’ in the Wellmeadow in Blairgowrie on Sunday to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth, who died earlier this month.
Queen Elizabeth’s faith was a part of who she was, and was woven deep into her very being
Rev Kim Lafferty
The national moment of reflection took place at 8pm.
Piper Calum Patterson from Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band played a number of pieces of music, including ‘Amazing Grace,’ ‘Flowers o’ the Forest,’ ‘Highland Cathedral,’ ‘Dark Island’ and ‘Lest We Forget’.
Rev Kim Lafferty, rector for ABC Saints in east Perthshire, spoke at the ceremony.
She said: “During these past 10 days, I have had the privilege to listen to countless people who have shared their own memories and reflections about who Queen Elizabeth was to them.
“Unstinting and dedicated service were among some of the most common reflections, but along with them was another key observation, as many spoke of her deep and unwavering faith.
“Prior to her coronation she said this: ‘Pray for me... that God may give me wisdom and strength to carry out the solemn promises I shall be making, and that I may faithfully serve Him and you, all the days of my life.’
“Queen Elizabeth’s faith was a part of who she was, and was woven deep into her very being. She attended worship each Sunday, and whilst her own faith was oft-time quiet and understated, she would frequently refer to Jesus Christ in her Christmas broadcasts, which she would always take the time to write herself.
“In her 2000 Christmas address she said: ‘For me, the teachings of Christ and my own personal accountability before God provide a framework in which I try to lead my life... I, like so many of you, have drawn great comfort in difficult times from Christ’s words and example’.
“In later addresses she spoke of hope, faith and encouragement, then earlier this year she repeated in her Platinum Jubilee statement on her accession day anniversary, her vow to serve God and her people. She signed it simply ‘Your Servant, Elizabeth’.
“Our sovereign lady served us all through her deep and grounded faith, in the full knowledge that her crown came with the burden of lifelong service, and devotion to her people.
“In time the shock that has been felt around the world at Her Majesty’s death will fade, but the legacy that she leaves behind will remain, an extraordinary life, lived fully and replete with achievements, and for that we can give our thanks, our gratitude to the only sovereign that many of us had ever known.
“Ma’am your work is now done, thank you for your service, your steadfast devotion, to our country, our Commonwealth and beyond.
“May you rest in peace, and rise in glory.”
The minute’s silence was followed by the playing of ‘God Save the King’.
A number of floral tributes were also left by local residents on the steps of the War Memorial in the town centre.
Scott MacGregor is chair of Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, which coordinated the event.
He said: “There was a great turnout from the local community
“Rev Lafferty spoke very movingly in tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth and on behalf of the community council I would like to thank both her and piper Calum Patterson.
“It is important that Blairgowrie and Rattray was part of the wider UK-wide moment of reflection in this time of mourning.”
Schools, council-run services and venues and many businesses were closed on Monday, September 19, in recognition of the bank holiday that was announced to allow citizens to pay their respects to Queen Elizabeth on the day of her state funeral at Westminister Abbey.