Details of the route the Queen’s coffin will take as it leaves Scotland for the last time have been revealed.
Elizabeth II is lying in state at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, and council leader Cammy Day said the city would “look back with immense pride” at the role it has played since the Queen’s death.
The Scottish capital has been packed with mourners, with thousands lining its historic streets to see the coffin arrive on Sunday, and then again on Monday when there was a service of thanksgiving at St Giles’.
After lying in state there overnight on Monday, members of the public will be able to process past the Queen’s coffin in the church until about 3pm on Tuesday.
- St Giles' Cathedral
- Lawnmarket
- Johnston Terrace
- Castle Terrace
- Lothian Road
- Queensferry Street
- Dean Bridge
- Queensferry Road
- Maybury Road
- Turnhouse Road
- Edinburgh Airport
The Queen will leave Scotland for the final time, heading along Lawnmarket to Johnston Terrace and then on to Castle Terrace and Lothian Road.
From there it will travel along Queensferry Street, Dean Bridge, Queensferry Road, Maybury Road and then Turnhouse Road, before arriving at Edinburgh Airport.
Edinburgh City Council confirmed a number of roads would be closed to the public to allow for the cortege to make the journey.
Mr Day said: “As a city, we will look back with immense pride at the role we’ve played in hosting these momentous events as the world looked on.
“As we say farewell to Her Majesty, and welcome our new sovereign King Charles III, I want to pay tribute to the incredible support shown by the public and our communities over the past few days, truly capturing the spirit of the Queen and her connection to Scotland and Edinburgh.”
With more disruption expected on Tuesday, he urged people “to continue to bear with us and consider their travel needs”.
Mr Day also urged those arriving to pay their respects to the Queen – either at St Giles’ or by lining the route – to dress appropriately for the weather, and be prepared for long periods of standing.
This will be an extremely busy time in Edinburgh as members of the public come to pay their final respects. In light of this, we respectfully ask people to avoid non-essential travel if possible.— Scottish Deputy First Minister John Swinney
The Scottish Government has urged people to work from home if possible, and said that those not wishing to pay their respects in person should avoid any non-essential travel.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will be an extremely busy time in Edinburgh as members of the public come to pay their final respects.
“In light of this, we respectfully ask people to avoid non-essential travel if possible.”
Mr Swinney continued: “Those wishing to line the route should plan ahead taking into consideration local road closures, allowing for extra time and limited facilities. Prepare for long periods of standing and large crowds. Check the weather before you leave and bring water.
“Information on travel can be found at Traffic Scotland, Traveline Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Tram and ScotRail websites and social media channels. We are encouraging everyone to check for the latest information before finalising their travel plans.”
