MUSICIAN Nicola Benedetti CBE has paid tribute to the late Queen - and praised her sense of duty, grace and humility.

The violinist from West Kilbride recalled her face to face meeting with Her Majesty in an interview this week.

She said: "She told me of her profound belief in collective music making, in collective action, having all devices and distractions banished from the room with everyone present and committed to the same endeavour.

"She was incredibly funny and told me of her and her sister having a giggling fit as young girls because Yehudi Menuhin was breathing so loudly as he played for them.

"I think many of us wish we had an ounce of her grace, humility, consistency, reliability and stoicism. This had nothing to do with her title. It was her character, discipline and sense of duty to others.

"I hope she will admired most for the human qualities she demonstrated and gifted to the world."

Nicola said performing in front of Queen Elizabeth II at the opening of the Scottish Parliament in 2004 was her 'career highlight'.