THE First Minister of Scotland has called the Queen an “extraordinary” woman as the latter’s coffin left Balmoral and started its journey to Edinburgh, where tributes will be made.
The Queen’s coffin left Balmoral at about 10am and is to pass through places including Aberdeen and Dundee before being laid at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
In a tweet, Nicola Sturgeon said: “A sad and poignant moment as Her Majesty, The Queen leaves her beloved Balmoral for the final time.
“Today, as she makes her journey to Edinburgh, Scotland will pay tribute to an extraordinary woman.”
The funeral cortege has been greeted by sprawling crowds throughout its journey to the capital.
There was silence as the funeral procession passed through Ballater.
Well-wishers bowed their heads while others saluted as the hearse drove slowly by.
A sad and poignant moment as Her Majesty, The Queen leaves her beloved Balmoral for the final time. Today, as she makes her journey to Edinburgh, Scotland will pay tribute to an extraordinary woman. https://t.co/pZ6uMoqfOn
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) September 11, 2022
Afterwards, Margaret MacKenzie, from Inverness, said: “It was very dignified. It was nice to see that a lot of people came out to support and pay their respects.”
Guest house manager Victoria Pacheco said: “She meant such a lot to people in this area. People were crying, it was amazing to see.”
She said guests were overcome when news broke of the Queen’s death last week.
Elizabeth Taylor, from Aberdeen, had tears in her eyes as she considered what she had just seen.
She said: “It was very emotional. It was respectful and showed what they think of the Queen.
“She certainly gave service to this country even up until a few days before her death.”
