Image source PA MediaImage caption The Queen’s four children stood vigil at the coffin for a short while as members of the public bore witness to the past The Queen’s coffin rests in Edinburgh, giving the public a chance to pay their respects. It was processed from Edinburgh’s Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral on Monday afternoon. Mourners are allowed to apply until 3pm on Tuesday 13 September, when Her Majesty will leave Scotland. Extra trains ran overnight and officials say many thousands joined the queue to see the casket.
Will I need to get a ticket?
The line to see the casket continues to be very long. Audience members must remain standing for long periods, possibly many hours, with little opportunity to sit down, as the queue will continue to move. To help manage the line, wristbands are given and you will only be allowed to pay your respects to the Queen if you have one. Only one wristband per person will be issued and people must be present to collect one. Stepless and accessible options are available for those who need them.
Where can I get in the queue?
The queue starts at George Square Lane/North Meadow Walk in The Meadows. Once you have been given a wristband, you will walk the designated route to the security tent at St Giles Cathedral. The distance from the wristband entrance to the Cathedral of St. Giles is 1.5 miles in length. There is mixed and difficult terrain due to the nature of the Old Town, including cobblestones, steep inclines and uneven surfaces.
Will there be toilets?
Portable toilets will be available along the queue route and guests will be able to leave the line for a reasonable amount of time to use the facilities.
Can I pay my respects if I have accessibility issues?
There is an accessible queue program for blue badge holders. You may be accompanied by a carer or partner and will need to have your blue badge with you to access the programme. Using this system does not guarantee access to St Giles Cathedral and entry times will depend on demand. There will still be some queues. If you need to use the accessible queuing system, there will be a designated drop-off point for vehicles located at the east end of Chambers Street, accessible via South Bridge (It’s worth noting that the bridge is closed northbound from Chambers Street onwards). There will be no waiting in the drop-off zone and drop-offs will be directed to proceed immediately. There will be no pick up point for the event due to road closures and issues with easy access to the surrounding area and you will need to make your own arrangements.
Will I get into St Giles Cathedral ok?
Step-free access will be available for those who need it at both the security checkpoint and St Giles’ Cathedral. Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs are allowed inside the cathedral, although no other animals are allowed. Wheelchairs will not be provided for the past. More information about the cathedral can be found on its website.
How will transfers be affected?
ScotRail is urging passengers heading to Edinburgh to plan ahead as trains are expected to be very busy. The train operator has issued the following advice:
Passengers heading to St Giles Cathedral will need to travel to Edinburgh Waverley Station where support arrangements will be in place. Due to construction work being carried out on a building next to Haymarket Station and the proximity to the tram lines, passengers are advised not to use Haymarket Station if heading towards St Giles Cathedral. Queues are expected at some major stations, particularly Edinburgh Waverley. ScotRail and Network Rail have urged passengers to be “patient and respectful” of staff who will “work steadily to ensure people are supported to pay their respects”. You can plan ahead by downloading the ScotRail app or website for the most up-to-date service information, including first and last services.
From 10am to 4pm on Tuesday, there will be a 15 minute service between Edinburgh Waverley and Glasgow Queen Street. Trains will travel via Falkirk High in both directions from Monday night to Tuesday morning. There will also be extra carriages across the network for services to and from Edinburgh. Edinburgh Trams will be running extra services to help residents and visitors pay their respects. Standard fares will apply and customers will need to purchase their tickets from tram stop machines before boarding. On September 13, when the Queen’s coffin leaves the city in the afternoon, tram services will have to be temporarily suspended at the West End stop until the crowds have cleared and the roads have reopened. Lothian Buses says it expects delays, road closures and has advised customers to plan ahead by checking their website.
What should I bring?
Clothes that protect you from cold or wet weather Food and drink to be consumed in the queue though must be consumed or disposed of before entering the security checkpoint on George IV Bridge. Bottles of clean water are permitted but must be emptied of their contents before entering the security checkpoint. There are limited places to buy refreshments along the route Sunscreen, if required, which must be discarded before entering the security checkpoint Small portable mobile phone charger Necessary medicines or equipment to carry with you. Explain this to the security staff or police at the security search point so they can check the items
What security measures are in place?
Security measures will be taken to keep everyone safe. Police may conduct security searches along sections of the queue. Before entering St Giles Cathedral, you will pass through an airport-style security checkpoint. Restrictions on bags and other items will be strictly enforced, with prohibited items confiscated. If a security incident occurs or you spot a suspicious object, notify flight attendants or the police and follow their instructions.
What can’t I bring to the cathedral?
Prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned, and any illegal items will be dealt with by the police. You must not bring any of the following items into the security checkpoint or St Giles Cathedral.
Bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, bags or backpacks with expandable compartments, bags or backpacks with multiple pockets or complex openings, solid-faced bags or bags on wheels Large items except bags are carried. This includes sleeping bags, blankets, carrier bags, folding chairs, camping gear and strollers. Non-retractable umbrellas Bottles – includes reusable metal water bottles No food or liquids of any kind. Clear plastic or glass reusable water bottles will be allowed, but must be emptied before entering Tribute items such as flowers, candles, soft toys, photos Medium to large format cameras (including telephoto lenses), video recorders and other similar sized electrical equipment Personal defense equipment (eg knives, butterfly knives and personal defense spray) – items that are legal in some countries are not allowed in the UK and anyone in possession of such items is subject to arrest Sharp objects such as knives, Swiss Army knives, scissors, cutlery and screwdrivers Spray paint, padlocks, chains and climbing equipment Fireworks, smoke canisters, air horns, flares, laser devices whistles and other items that could be used to cause disturbance or noise Banners, placards, flags and similar items that could be used to cause a disturbance
Where can I put flowers on the Queen?
Flowers can be placed on Middle Meadow Walk and the Palace of Holyrood House, but will not be allowed in St Giles’ Cathedral. What will happen after the death of the Queen? How the titles and line of succession have changed The Queen on Screen – nine shows to watch
