A Lanarkshire grandad provided the pageantry with a trumpet fanfare as Queen Elizabeth's coffin was carried into St Giles' Cathedral for a 24-hour vigil.
Scottish State Trumpeter Colin Meldrum marked yesterday's solemn occasion as Her Royal Highness was accompanied by King Charles and other members of the Royal Family in a procession from Holyroodhouse.
The 55-year-old retired military performer from East Kilbride was called up to take part in the Royal Accession ceremony in Edinburgh on Sunday after the Queen passed away at Balmoral Castle last Thursday, leaving a proud nation in mourning.
Colin, a military performer who has played for HRH many times over the course of his 22 year career, described the role as an "honour" and "the highlight of my career".
He told Lanarkshire Live: "I was recommended to Lord Lyon who did the proclamation ceremony due to my background performing for the military.
"The position came up to be a Scottish State Trumpeter at the ceremony the day after the Queen passed and I was more than happy to accept.
"Performing on these special occasions was an honour and something I will always remember - it has been the highlight of my career."
Over his long career which included playing in the Black Watch Band for nine years - during which he performed for President George W. Bush at the White House - and The Highland Band of the Scottish Division for 12 years, Colin has played for Her Majesty and the Royal Family on numerous occasions.
And it was in his final year playing for the Royal Regiment of Scotland before officially retiring in 2007, when he met the Queen at the place of her death in Balmoral.
He added: "I met Her Majesty in Balmoral Castle when the Royal Regiment of Scotland Band formed in 2006 and was introduced to her as Band Sergeant Major.
"So it was a very solemn occasion to play for her on her passing. That's your Head of State, so it is very sad.
"It was a long day of rehearsals and there were lots of different elements involved - from St Giles' Cathedral up to the castle - so I felt nervous, but very proud.
"I hope I made Her Majesty and Scotland proud."
King Charles III was publicly proclaimed the new monarch in Edinburgh on Sunday.
Crowds gathered at the Mercat Cross on the city's Royal Mile to hear the Lord Lyon King of Arms read the address.
A 21-gun salute also took place at Edinburgh Castle where a second proclamation was also read.
Giving his first proclamation, the Lord Lyon told the crowd: "God save the King."
The crowd shouted back in celebration: "God save the King" and then the national anthem was then sung by the crowd.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, opposition leaders and other public servants attended the ceremony.
People lined the streets as the Queen's coffin arrived in Scotland's capital after a six-hour drive from Balmoral where it remained overnight.
Yesterday afternoon the coffin processed to St Giles' Cathedral where it will remain under continuous vigil for 24 hours, with the public able to pay their respects.
Colin said the moment was "historic" for Scotland, adding: "This is something we'll probably never seen again in our lifetime.
"It's been an honour to experience and be a part of such a special occasion here in Scotland."
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