Former Prime Minister "gone, but not forgotten"
Former Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was “an exceptional person who had an exceptional time in office,” Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said today as she led tributes from Conservatives in Scotland.
Davidson, who attended the funeral at St Paul’s reflected:
“The most touching element of the day for me was when her coffin left St Paul’s and the people outside broke into spontaneous applause.
“So many people here today, both at the service and those lining the streets, wanted to be able to show their respect for Margaret Thatcher and pay tribute to what she had done.
“It is right that they have been able to do so in such a moving way.”
Her deputy, Jackson Carlaw MSP, said it was a “very emotional” service, adding:
“I’m also glad the Bishop of London finally put to bed forever the misinterpretation of her remarks about society, when he made clear that she believed society was about people and not about buildings and departments.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Conservative party chair, David Mundell MP called it a “sad day” for the political community, but said it was also a chance “to reflect on the importance of conviction, choice and freedom in our democracy.”
He continued: “This is not the time to debate her individual policies but to recognise and pay tribute to her long and dutiful public service and love of this country.
“I will always remember her kindness and generosity towards new Members of Parliament when I was first elected to Westminster in 2005, and the service gave everyone present the opportunity to share in those memories and her achievements.”
Mundell said the service succeed in capturing Baroness Thatcher as a mother and grandmother, while also reflecting the important role she played on the world stage.
“However, the greatest honour for her was the thousands who joined the crowds along the procession route and outside St. Paul’s,” he said.
“They showed that although Mrs Thatcher is gone, but she will not be forgotten.”
Katie Mackintosh
Katie is Holyrood magazine's Health Correspondent and has been with the magazine since 2005. She has an MA in Sociology with Gender from Edinburgh University and a post graduate diploma in Journalism from Napier University. Katie has twice been named PPA Scotland Feature Writer of the Year, in 2008 and again in 2009, and was shortlisted for magazine writer of the year at the Scottish Press Awards in 2012. She is an Aberdonian by birth, a Glaswegian by nature, who now lives in Fife with her...