Committee will consider Scottish memorial project for late Queen, says Swinney
John Swinney welcomed the plans for a national memorial at St James’s Park in London.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A committee will consider a potential Scottish memorial project for the late Queen, the First Minister has said.
John Swinney welcomed the plans for a national memorial at St James’s Park in London which were announced by the Prime Minister on Saturday.
Mr Swinney said the Scottish committee would discuss the potential for a project north of the border.
Sunday will mark two years since Queen Elizabeth II died at Balmoral Castle after a reign lasting 70 years.
Sir Keir Starmer said the memorial in London would ensure she will “never be forgotten”.
Commenting on the national memorial plans, Mr Swinney said: “My thoughts, and those of the Scottish people, are with the King and the royal family as they mark the second anniversary of the death of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.
“At the time of Her Majesty’s passing, many of us reflected on her long life of valued service to the nation, and the respect and admiration she had for the people of Scotland.
“I welcome proposals for a national memorial to Queen Elizabeth in London to mark her life and service across the UK.
“A Scottish committee will also be established to engage with the UK legacy programme and to consider a potential memorial project specific to Scotland.”
Plans for the Scottish project are understood to be at an early stage and the Scottish Government said it would release further details in due course.
The site in London, a few hundred metres from Buckingham Palace, was approved by the King and the Prime Minister.
Design proposals for the memorial will be submitted later this year and they will be reviewed by the independent Queen Elizabeth Memorial Committee.
Public funds will be used to pay for the memorial and the UK Government will also make funding available for memorial projects in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The announcement of the final design will coincide with what would have been the Queen’s 100th birthday year in 2026.