THE Queen last night led tributes in the wake of the Glasgow helicopter tragedy, saying her "thoughts and prayers" were with the victims.

In a personal statement, she wrote: "I was saddened to learn of the dreadful helicopter crash in Glasgow. My thoughts and prayers are with those who have been bereaved or injured.

"I send my thanks to the emergency services and to everyone who helped with the rescue."

Politicians of every party also sent their condolences to those affected by the tragedy. Alex Salmond and David Cameron praised members of the public, emergency services and the NHS who helped survivors.

The First Minister said that, despite the shock of the accident, the country could take pride in the response. He said: "This is a black day for Glasgow and Scotland but it's also St Andrew's Day, and it's a day we can take pride and courage in how we respond to adversity and tragedy.

"That response from our emergency services and from ordinary citizens has been exemplary. As First Minister, it's a day we can take great pride in how we've responded to this extraordinary tragedy."

Salmond announced flags would fly at half-mast over the weekend outside government buildings.

Cameron said: "This is a tragic event and our deepest sympathies are with the families and friends who lost a loved one. I want to thank the emergency services who worked tirelessly throughout the night and I also want to pay tribute to the bravery of the ordinary Glaswegians who rushed to help. We have offered the Scottish Government our support in any way we can and we are all wishing a speedy recovery to those who are injured."

Labour leader Ed Miliband offered words of comfort, saying: "The people of Glasgow ... are an incredibly strong people who showed, in reaction when the helicopter hit, great bravery, great courage, great calm.

"I know they are incredibly strong and they'll need to be strong in the coming days as they come to terms with what's happened."

Tricia Marwick, Holyrood's Presiding Officer, sent her sympathies on behalf of the whole Scottish Parliament to those affected, and instructed the flags at the Parliament to be lowered to half mast over the weekend.

Marwick said: "This is a truly tragic day. My thoughts and prayers are with those involved and with their families and friends. Our grateful thanks go to the emergency services from all over Scotland for their efforts and to the people of Glasgow who, with no thought for themselves, helped many to safety and comfort."

Speaking as Police Scotland confirmed eight fatalities, Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "Our hearts go out to everyone who has been bereaved.

"It is impossible to imagine the grief and loss they are experiencing, but they should know that the thoughts and prayers of everyone across this city, and across Scotland, are with them at this unimaginably difficult time.

"Our thoughts are also with those who remain injured in hospital. We hope and pray that those who have suffered injuries make a full and speedy recovery."

After seeing the rescue operation first-hand, she added: "Our thoughts and gratitude are with all of those in the emergency services."

Glasgow's Lord Provost, Sadie Docherty, said: "It is shocking, but our Glaswegian resolve will get us though this together. The bravery and humanity of ordinary folk, witnessed last night, can give us all great comfort."

Alistair Carmichael, LibDem Scottish Secretary, said he shared "Scotland's deep shock".

He said: "The efforts of our emergency services are first rate and show the bravery and professionalism of our responders.

"The public's response, both at the time and in the aftermath, has been overwhelming. My thoughts are with the bereaved and all those affected by this terrible incident."

Scottish Labour leader Johann Lamont said: "Our first thoughts must be with everyone directly affected by this crash and their loved ones.

"I also would like to pay tribute to our emergency services who have worked through the night and to those ordinary Glaswegians who helped immediately after the incident to get people to safety.

"We must pay tribute to all those who helped save lives last night and continue to do so during the rescue operation today, either at the scene or in Glasgow hospitals."

Tory leader Ruth Davidson, also a Glasgow MSP, said everyone in Glasgow was hurting. "Our first thoughts and prayers go to the victims of this tragedy and to their loved ones," she said. "We pray too, for all those still seriously injured in hospital.

"We saw some immense courage on Friday night, both from trained emergency service personnel and from ordinary pub-goers and passers by. This was a dreadful day for Glasgow; but Glaswegians stood tall, bravely and selflessly helping others."

Scottish LibDem leader Willie Rennie said: "In a flash the vibrancy of the Glasgow nightlife was silenced, but the city's spirit endured through the emerging tragedy. I feel sorrow for the loss of life and the trauma for those who remain yet pride in the response from so many.