Today the entire nation will join together in grief as we say farewell to the Queen.
Her death after 70 years on the throne, and the huge outpouring of grief that followed, has united a nation torn apart by Covid, the cost of living crisis and seemingly endless political disputes.
Regardless of whether you are a monarchist or a republican, people across the UK had the utmost respect for a woman who assumed the throne in her mid-20s. The past 10 days have shown how much she meant to people in Scotland and across the world.
From the crowds who lined the streets of Scotland to show their respects on her journey from Balmoral to Edinburgh, to the thousands queuing for the lying in state in London, people have responded with calm dignity to this sad event.
These are troubled times but since the Queen’s death Scotland has felt more united than at any time during its recent history. Political leaders have put aside their differences and focused on the Queen and her dedication to public service.
It has been a refreshing change from the yah-boo politics that sometimes drags Scotland down. Our country may not stay united for long but the period of mourning is a reminder we don’t need to be at each other’s throats all the time.
Whether we believe in independence or the Union, whether we are on the left or the right, it is possible to disagree but still treat people with respect.
As Queen Elizabeth II is laid to rest today, we should remember her legacy as someone who brought people together. That would be the most fitting tribute of all.
Be kind in crisis
The cost-of-living crisis and high inflation are putting unprecedented strains on family budgets. Prices for staple goods are at a historic high and people on low incomes feel like they are not coping.
That’s why today’s call by an anti-poverty expert for police and prosecutors to not go hard on crimes related to the crisis should be heeded.
John Holland McKendrick, a professor at Glasgow Caledonian, said he hoped criminal justice authorities would go easy on desperate offenders.
We do not condone shoplifting but it is heartbreaking to learn of hard-pressed Scots stealing simply to feed families.
One police-backed scheme introduced in England points shoplifters to food banks and debt advice services instead of being arrested. This seems like a progressive solution and could be rolled out north of the Border too.
Vulnerable people need help in these desperate times and saddling people with a criminal record is not the answer.
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