Moray thanksgiving service for Queen
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Moray has paid its final tributes to Queen Elizabeth II at a service of thanksgiving.
Local representatives, including councillors and those from the Armed Forces and emergency services, attended the multi-faith service at St Giles in Elgin.
Alongside readings and reflections on the monarch's life, there was also a poem written by pupils at West End Primary School.
Reverend Deon Oelofse, the parish minister Elgin St Giles and St Columba’s South, led the service.
He said: "The Queen during her life and reign was one that understood the importance of community and service, both virtues rooted in her Christian faith.
"We are once again reminded of our own call to serve one another and, hopefully, rediscover our sense of community as we move into the future.
"I hope that we as a community will embrace her example of service and care."
Speaking afterwards, Seymour Monro, Moray's Lord Lieutenant, said: "We enjoyed a wonderful combination of lovely prayers, readings, and poetry specially written for this service.
"There was a charming rendering of The Skye Boat Song and great music from the organist and Gordonstoun Pipe Band.
"Bishop Mark Strange also gave a superb reflection.
"This service was a once-in-a-lifetime occasion with a very special atmosphere – and I'm grateful to all those who made it so.
"It was a fine note on which to end our official mourning in Moray for our late sovereign who was as fond of Moray as we were of her."
At the bidding of Moray Council its civic leader, John Cowe, has also written the following letter of condolence to King Charles III.
Its text is as follows:
'May I, on behalf of the Moray Council and the people of Moray, extend our most sincere condolences to His Majesty the King and all the Royal family in the very sad loss of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
A loss that has been deeply felt here in Moray and indeed throughout the United Kingdom and worldwide.
Moray was proud to have enjoyed strong links with Her Majesty the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, which was evident in the celebrations of Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, the Moray Badge and the Queen’s Green Canopy.
The outpouring of affection for Her Majesty in the floral tributes, signing of the Books of Condolence and attendance at the public Proclamation for King Charles III was felt throughout our towns and villages.
An Interdenominational Service of Thanksgiving was held at St Giles Church, Elgin on 23 September, attended by the Lord Lieutenant of Moray, his Deputes, the Armed Forces, Moray Councillors and members of the public.
The service was our way to say Thank You to Our Sovereign for her lifetime of devotion and service to our country with music, blessings, readings and poetry specially written for the service, accompanied by the Pipes and Drums of Gordonstoun School.
The people of Moray pledge unwavering allegiance to His Majesty the King as he undertakes his duties as Monarch and wish him God’s blessings in all his endeavours.'
