Prince Philip: Billboard tributes pop up across Edinburgh

Billboards across the city have displayed an image to honour Prince Philip as the nation mourns the death of the Duke who died just months before his 100th birthday.

Displays have been spotted on Leith Walk and Seafield Road, as similar tributes were noted in Glasgow and across the UK, including at the world-famous Piccadilly Circus.

Residents took to social media to respond. One twitter user described them as “amazingly poignant and brilliant” others said “I saw two this evening, am quite moved” and “Love this. Respect”.

Buckingham Palace issued a statement on Friday announcing the Duke had died earlier in the morning at Windsor Castle.

In a statement First Minister Nicola Sturgeon expressed her deepest sympathy to the Queen and the rest of the royal family on behalf of the people of Scotland.

Lord Provost Frank Ross led the Capital’s tributes, offering “heartfelt sympathies” and saying the Duke left a “longstanding legacy”.

Councillor Ross, who is also Lord Lieutenant, said: “Throughout Prince Philip’s extraordinary lifetime, he showed great appreciation for this city and its people.

“During his countless visits, he regularly reached out to fellow veterans and serving personnel and thousands of our children and students, both through the Duke of Edinburgh Award and his longstanding links with our universities.”

Billboard on Leith Walk. Picture: Cath Ruane

Prince Philip was Chancellor of Edinburgh University for more than 50 years and was patron, president or member of around 30 Edinburgh-based organisations, including Heriot-Watt University, the Botanical Society of Scotland and Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, the National Galleries, Royal British Legion and the Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce.

Edinburgh University has opened a virtual book of condolence on its website and plans a celebration of his life at a date to be announced.

The Duke retired from his royal duties in August 2017, having completed more than 22,200 solo engagements since 1952. He was the longest-serving consort in British history.

One of his legacies will be the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award which he launched in 1956.

Tributes displayed on billboards. Picture: Cathe Ruane

Its director in Scotland, Helen Anderson, said: “The Duke was a remarkable man who achieved so much in his life. It was through his sheer determination, drive and vision that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award became the success it is today.“

Campaigning for the Holyrood election was suspended following the announcement of Prince Philip’s death.

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