IN THESE sad days following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, it seems inappropriate and unimportant to write simply about my recent activities representing you as your Member of Parliament for Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock.

However, I wished to share with you the tribute paid by me to the late Queen, on your behalf, in the House of Commons on the day following her death.

I was called to speak by the Deputy Speaker, Dame Eleanor Laing MP at about 7pm, and due to the number of Members wishing to pay tribute my contribution was limited to three minutes.

In common with the majority of Members who spoke, my tribute included reference to how the Queen and her life of service and duty influenced me personally.

Here is an extract from my tribute. It may be viewed in full on my website at www.allandoransmp.scot

“Thank you, Madame Deputy Speaker. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to express my sincere personal sympathies and condolences and those of my constituents in Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock on the death of Her late Majesty the Queen.

“The late Queen will be remembered with great affection, especially for her service, duty, humility, humour, and faith.

Our thoughts and prayers are with King Charles III, the Queen Consort, and the wider royal family at this sad time.

“I met the late Queen in 1973 when, as a 17-year-old cadet in the Metropolitan Police, I was invited with others to attend a royal garden party in the grounds of Buckingham Palace.

"Her late Majesty chose to speak with me, probably because I was in uniform; we all know how much she valued her uniformed services.

“Her royal presence, her smile and her gentleness left a lasting impression on me.

“I am sure that everyone who has ever served as a member of our armed services will be able to relate closely to that sentiment, as will anyone who has proudly served in any capacity in the name of the Queen and all she stood for.

“It is with both sadness and joy that we celebrate the unparalleled contribution the Queen made in her 70 years as sovereign, recognising her devotion to duty and the decades of public service she gave to the people of the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth, and the world.

“There is a distinct and profound sense of loss on the death of the Queen throughout Scotland, to where she is bound by close ties of ancestry, affection, and duty.

“Her late Majesty was descended from the royal house of Stuart on both sides of her family, and she has always held a special place in the hearts of the people of Scotland.

“I know she also held a similar affection for Scotland, its culture, and its people.

“The next few weeks are a time for reflection and remembrance and to give thanks to God for the life of an extraordinary individual, the like of whom we will never see again.

“Finally, on behalf of my constituents of Ayr, Carrick, and Cumnock, thank you, your Majesty, for your life of service; God bless you and may you rest in eternal peace.”