Mr Ross said the strength of the connection between Scotland and the royal family was evident as people lined up to pay their respects as the Queen’s motorcade passed through the nation on Sunday. Asked if the link still existed with the new king, Mr Ross told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “Yes, and I think particularly when the Accession Council points out that the new King has sworn his allegiance to support and protect the Church of Scotland. , the fact that the Royal Family is here today and there will be a service of thanksgiving at St Giles, and then in the Scottish Parliament we will pay tribute to the late Queen and also pledge our faith and support to the new King and providing that the support”. He added: “The Queen loved Scotland and Scotland loved the Queen and I think we showed that yesterday. “I think we will see that again today with the service of thanksgiving and I think it is a fitting tribute to the late Queen that Scotland can play that part in this early part of the national mourning.”
