Moray MP Douglas Ross has praised those from his constituency who were in attendance at the King’s Coronation at the weekend at Westminster Abbey.
Douglas, who was “honoured” to be invited to the ceremony himself paid tribute to King Charles and Queen Camilla in a speech in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.
He used his speech in Holyrood to highlight the attendance on Saturday of Mary Nelson from Forres who received a British Empire Medal in the 2021 New Years Honours List for her tireless work in helping the area’s homeless get back on their feet.
Douglas has also praised the key role played by the Bishop of Moray, Ross and Caithness – Mark Strange – at the ceremony in Westminster Abbey. Bishop Strange presented the Sovereign’s Sceptre with Cross to the Archbishop of Canterbury, before it was placed in the right hand of King Charles, just before he was officially crowned.
The Lord Lieutenant's of Moray and Banffshire were also present at the coronation.
Douglas said that the “incredible” weekend leaves behind “positive legacies” – including events such as Coronation Lunches and the Big Help Out which took place in communities across Moray over the Coronation Weekend.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “I was honoured to be present at the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla at the weekend, an historic occasion which had not been seen for 70 years in the United Kingdom.
“I was also delighted to pay tribute to our new monarchs in the Scottish Parliament, reflecting on what had been an incredible weekend across the country.
“While of course it meant a great deal for me to personally be there, I was also very proud to see other well-known figures from Moray in attendance at Westminster Abbey.
“I was delighted to meet up with Mary Nelson who richly deserved her British Empire Medal after supporting so many of our most vulnerable people in our communities for so many years.
“Across Moray there were a whole host of events, including the Coronation Lunch and the Big Help Out which showcased the excellent community spirit in our region and is just one of the many positive legacies left behind as a result of the Coronation Weekend.
“The Coronation was incredible to witness, either in person in the Abbey or on TV screens around the World and it was fitting the Scottish Parliament was able to pass on our thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in such an important and unique event.”