Alex Salmond pays tribute to ‘truly remarkable’ Queen

The First Minister vowed that she will remain head of state in an independent Scotland, despite Republican sympathies within the SNP.

The monarch should be “above and beyond” politics, Mr Salmond said today as the Queen delivered the first Diamond jubilee address in more than a century.

“When you’re speaking to Her majesty the Queen, it‘s as well to reflect that she knows a great deal more about the country’s affairs than any one of her First Ministers or Prime Ministers because she has seen a great deal more of them than any of us have,” said the SNP leader.

“A lot of the wisdom comes across. She has a sense of humour and of course she takes great interest in a whole variety of things. She has still a genuine and entertaining and inquiring mind.

“She always asks direct questions about things that are going on. She’s incredibly well informed. She is a magnificent Monarch.”

Mr Salmond went on: “I’m just pleased that on this year of celebration that all of the communities across the Commonwealth, all of the countryies in which she’s head of state, can celebrate a truly remarkable lady and a truly remarkable Monarch.”

The SNP used to advocate ending the role of the Queen after independence and many Nationalists MSPs remain pro-republican. But Mr Salmond insisted the u-turn was an “intelligent change of policy.”

“Her majesty the Queen will remain as Scotland’s head of state after independence in the same way as she is head of state in 16 other countries at the moment,” Salmond added.

Mr Salmond said it symbolises the “social union” that will continue across the UK, in the vent of Scottish separation.

Meanwhile, a photographic record of the Queen’s visits to the Scottish Parliament will be presented to the monarch as part of her Diamond Jubilee celebrations when she visits Holyrood later this year.

Holyrood Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick is attending events in Westminster today, when both Houses of Parliament present addresses to the Queen, before unveiling a commemorative stained glass window in Westminster Hall.

Ms Marwick confirmed that the Scottish Parliament will hold a special debate on The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee in May.

In addition, a photographic record of The Queen’s visits to the Scottish Parliament will be presented to her during Royal Week in June.

Ms Marwick said: “The Scottish Parliament has welcomed Her Majesty The Queen many times, including during our 10th anniversary celebrations, and we have decided to capture this relationship in our gift to her.

“It is also a fitting occasion for the Parliament to institute a debate in Her Majesty’s honour to mark her 60 years as Monarch.”