AS EAST Lothian’s elected representative at Holyrood, I’m extending congratulations to Her Majesty The Queen on the unprecedented milestone of her Platinum Jubilee.

Residents of all political persuasions and views will recognise the lifetime of service to which the Queen dedicated herself aged 21: a unique commitment, worthy of unique respect.

As a republican, I respect the personal duty she has to the monarchy, but not the institution itself. I say that not only of the UK monarchy but also of any monarchy in any country.

Older residents in particular will, I hope, celebrate in special ways, reflecting on their own 70 years and more: changes witnessed; contributions made to family and community; challenges that still lie ahead. I hope the jubilee makes for happy and memorable times.

I’ll be comparing Scotland now with where it was during the 1977 Silver Jubilee. Addressing the UK Parliament then, the Queen declared she understood Scottish and Welsh devolution aspirations but added: “I cannot forget that I was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom.”

Nevertheless, 20 years later, after 74.29 per cent voted for devolution, the Queen opened the reconvened Scottish Parliament. Speaking again of “democratic aspirations”, she called it “a rare moment in the life of any nation when we step across the threshold of a new constitutional age”.

We are now well beyond that threshold, and while many who support independence also respect the Queen, they and others are not committed to constitutional monarchy.

The Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, Norway and Sweden are all modern European monarchies, but they are also independent sovereign states.

Dragged out of the EU against its will as part of a ‘United Kingdom’, Scotland’s autonomy and self-determination are compromised more starkly than in 2014, and the tide of history is stronger. Jubilee year sees surviving parts of the British Empire seeking change: over 60 countries have voted for independence from the UK, not one has voted to return.

At Holyrood last year, the Queen spoke of “renewal and fresh thinking... looking to the future” and urged MSPs to “engage with young people”. Ipsos Mori polling found recently that 79 per cent of 16-24-year-olds want independence.

Enjoy the jubilee weekend, whether you support the monarchy or a republic, enjoy family and friends.