FIRST Minister Alex Salmond yesterday paid tribute to the Queen on the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne.
Mr Salmond praised Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth for serving her country with "grace and distinction" since coming to the throne on February 6, 1952.
His comments followed tributes from a number of leading figures – including Prime Minister David Cameron – as she marked the milestone by visiting the town of King's Lynn, close to her Sandringham estate.
The First Minister said: "I congratulate Her Majesty on the 60th anniversary of her accession to the throne, during which she has served her country with the utmost grace and distinction.
"Her dedication and commitment has inspired countless people across the country and around the world. And, of course, Her Majesty's affection for Scotland is reciprocated by Scots of all generations.
"I am looking forward to the official celebrations of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee in June.
"The Scottish Government is working closely with Lord Lieutenants across Scotland in relation to the many events that are being organised by communities to celebrate this wonderful occasion."
Mr Cameron added: "Today is a day to pay tribute to the magnificent service of Her Majesty the Queen.
"With experience, dignity and quiet authority she has guided and united our nation and the Commonwealth over six varied decades.
"Always dedicated, always resolute and always respected, she is a source of wisdom and continuity.
"Today, and this year, in the 60th anniversary of her reign, we have the chance to say thank you."
The Queen earlier thanked the British public in her Jubilee message for the "wonderful support and encouragement" she and her family have received over the years.
She said: "In this special year, as I dedicate myself anew to your service, I hope we will all be reminded of the power of togetherness and the convening strength of family, friendship and good neighbourliness, examples of which I have been fortunate to see throughout my reign.
"I hope also this Jubilee year will be a time to give thanks for the great advances that have been made since 1952 and to look forward to the future with clear head and warm heart as we join together in our celebrations."
A 21-gun royal salute was fired from Edinburgh Castle yesterday by gunners from the 105 Regiment Royal Artillery (Volunteers).
Meanwhile, whisky which has been maturing for 60 years and costs £100,000 a bottle was decanted to mark the Queen's 60 years on the throne.
Royal Lochnagar Distillery on the Balmoral Estate in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, will gift a bottle to the Queen and sell the others around the world, with all profits going to the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust.
The official Diamond Jubilee celebrations will centre around an extended weekend from June 2 to 5 on the anniversary of her 1953 coronation.
Scottish communities will take part in the Big Jubilee Lunch and beacons will be lit across the country – at Balmoral Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh Castle and other venues – as part of 2012 beacons being lit throughout the UK.
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg added: "In a Britain that has changed dramatically over the past 60 years, Her Majesty the Queen has been a centre of calm and stability.
"A fierce defender of Britain's values, Her Majesty is both revered and respected across the world. Today I would also like to pay tribute to her immense kindness and warmth."
Labour leader Ed Miliband also paid tribute to the "tireless and trusted presence of our Queen".
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