(Image: The Queen — PA)
People across Scotland are being invited to help shape a permanent memorial to the late Queen Elizabeth.
An online engagement portal has been launched, allowing members of the public to share their views on the memorial's purpose, design, scale and location.
People are also being encouraged to submit personal memories and reflections on the late Queen and her connection to Scotland.
The consultation forms part of the work of the Scotland Legacy Group, which is developing proposals for the memorial with support from £1.4 million in capital funding from the UK Government.
A series of community engagement events will take place throughout the autumn, led by Lord Lieutenants and involving organisations and groups representing Scotland's diverse communities.
The views gathered will help inform proposals for a memorial that contributes to the country's cultural, heritage, environmental and community life.
The late Queen's funeral cortege moves down The Royal Mile in Edinburgh (Image: PA)
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Culture and Gaelic Màiri McAllan said: "Queen Elizabeth held a special place in the hearts of many people across Scotland. Her passing in 2022 prompted an outpouring of affection and respect.
"She had a strong connection to Scotland, and it is right that those across the country who would wish to have the opportunity to help shape how that legacy is remembered for future generations.
"We want to hear a broad range of voices, from community and cultural organisations to schools, young people and those with a particular connection to Queen Elizabeth. This memorial should reflect the memories, values and experiences of the people of Scotland, while creating something lasting that future generations can enjoy, use and take pride in."
Lord Lyon King of Arms and chair of the Scotland Legacy Group, Dr Joseph Morrow, said: "The online engagement portal is a key part in the work of the Scotland Legacy Group, and I am delighted that we are now at a stage where it is open for the public to give their views.
"Queen Elizabeth held Scotland and Scottish life in great affection, and the portal is an opportunity for everyone to give their thoughts and ideas which will help shape how we create a fitting tribute to the life of our longest-reigning monarch."
The late Queen Elizabeth watching a flypast from the balcony of Buckingham Palace (Image: PA)
The engagement portal will remain open until December 13 and will be complemented by an eight-week programme of online engagement and a series of in-person events taking place across Scotland this autumn.
Led by Lord Lieutenants, youth and education groups, and other community representatives, the events will bring together communities and organisations from across the country to ensure a broad range of voices help inform proposals for the memorial.
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Consultation activities will continue until late 2026 and involve organisations and individuals from the culture and heritage sector, further and higher education institutions, community groups, schools and young people, as well as organisations of which the late Queen was patron.
The engagement programme will support the work of the Scotland Legacy Group, which has been tasked with providing recommendations to the First Minister and The King for a permanent memorial that honours Queen Elizabeth's life of public service while creating a lasting asset for people in Scotland to enjoy for generations to come.
Feedback from both the online portal and in-person events will be analysed, with findings expected to inform the group's recommendations to ministers in spring 2027.