By Georgina Davis
BBC Scotland News
Image source, PA MediaCaption,The Queen’s four children stood guard by the coffin for a short time as the public passed
The Queen’s coffin rests in Edinburgh, giving the public a chance to pay their respects.
It drove from Edinburgh Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral on Monday afternoon.
Mourners are allowed to drop in until 3pm on Tuesday 13 September, after which Her Majesty will leave Scotland.
Additional trains ran overnight and officials say many thousands queued to see the coffin.
Do I have to buy a ticket?
The line to see the coffin is still very long.
Members of the public will have to stand for long periods, possibly many hours, with very little opportunity to sit down as the queue will keep moving.
Bracelets will be issued to manage the queue and you may only pay your respects to the Queen if you have one.
Only one bracelet per person will be issued and individuals must be present to collect one.
Stepless and accessible options are available for those who need them.
Where do I queue?
The queue starts at George Square Lane/North Meadow Walk in The Meadows.
Once you have received a bracelet, follow the designated path to the security tent at St Giles’ Cathedral.
The distance from the bracelet entrance to St Giles’ Cathedral is 1.5 miles.
Due to the nature of the Old Town, there is mixed and challenging terrain including cobblestones, steep inclines and uneven surfaces.
Will there be toilets?
Portable toilets will be available on the queue route and visitors can leave the queue for a reasonable amount of time to use the facilities.
Can I show my respects if I have accessibility issues?
An accessible queuing system is available for Blue Badge holders.
You may be accompanied by a supervisor or companion and you must bring your blue ID to access the program.
Use of this scheme does not guarantee access to St Giles’ Cathedral and entry time is subject to demand. There will still be some queues.
If you must use the accessible queuing system, there is a designated vehicle drop-off point at the east end of Chambers Street, which can be reached via the South Bridge (it should be noted that the bridge is closed from Chambers Street northbound).
There will be no waiting at the drop off zone and those dropping off people will be instructed to proceed immediately.
Due to road closures and issues with easy access to the surrounding area, there is no pick-up point for the event and you must make your own arrangements.
Can I get into St. Giles’ Cathedral?
There will be step-free access at both the security checkpoint and St Giles’ Cathedral for those who need it.
Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs are allowed in the cathedral, but other animals are not permitted.
Wheelchairs are not provided for the record past. You can find more information about the cathedral on its website.
How will transport be affected?
ScotRail is urging passengers bound for Edinburgh to plan ahead as trains are expected to be very crowded.
The railway operator has issued the following information:
- Passengers bound for St Giles’ Cathedral should travel to Edinburgh Waverley Station where appropriate arrangements will be made. Due to construction work on a building adjacent to Haymarket Station and the proximity of the tram lines, passengers are advised not to use Haymarket Station when going to St Giles’ Cathedral.
- Queues are expected at some major stations, notably Edinburgh Waverley. ScotRail and Network Rail urged passengers to be “patient and respectful” of staff, who “will work flat out to ensure people are supported to show their respect”.
- 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 run in both directions via Falkirk High from Monday night to Tuesday morning.
There will also be additional carriages across the network for services to and from Edinburgh.
Edinburgh Trams will offer additional services to help residents and visitors pay their respects.
Normal fares apply and customers should purchase their tickets from the tram stop machines before boarding.
On September 13, when the Queen’s coffin leaves the city in the afternoon, trams will have to temporarily terminate at the West End stop until the crowds disperse and the streets reopen.
Lothian Buses expects delays and road closures and has advised customers to plan ahead by checking their website.
What should I bring?
- Clothing to protect against cold or wet
- Food and drink must be consumed in the queue, although it must be consumed or disposed of before entering the security search point on George IV Bridge. Clear water bottles are permitted but must be emptied before entering security. There are limited opportunities to purchase refreshments along the route
- Sunscreen, if applicable, which must be discarded before entering security
- Small portable cell phone charger
- Important medication or equipment you need to carry with you. Please explain this to the security personnel or the police at the security checkpoint so that they can check the items
What security measures are in place?
Security measures are in place to protect everyone.
Police may conduct security searches along parts of the queue.
Before entering St. Giles’ Cathedral, you will pass through an airport-style security checkpoint.
Restrictions on bags and other items are strictly enforced, prohibited items will be confiscated.
If there is a security incident or you spot a suspicious item, notify the stewards or police and follow their instructions.
What am I not allowed to take into the cathedral?
Prohibited items will be confiscated and not returned, illegal items will be handled by the police.
You may 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 complicated openings, bags with fixed sidewalls or bags on wheels
- Large items carried in addition to bags. This includes sleeping bags, blankets, tote bags, folding chairs, camping gear and strollers.
- Non-retractable umbrellas
- Bottles – this includes reusable metal water bottles
- No food or liquids of any kind. Clear plastic or glass reusable water bottles are permitted but must be emptied before entering
- Tribute items such as flowers, candles, stuffed animals, photographs
- Medium to large sized cameras (including telescopic lens), VCRs and other similar sized electrical equipment
- Personal defense equipment (e.g. switchblades, butterfly knives and personal defense sprays) – items that are legal in some countries are not allowed in the UK and anyone found in possession of such items can be arrested
- Sharp objects such as knives, Swiss army knives, scissors, cutlery and screwdrivers
- Paint sprays, padlocks, chains and climbing gear
- Firecrackers, smoke canisters, air horns, flares, whistles, laser devices and other items that could be used to cause disturbance or noise
- Banners, placards, flags and similar items that could be used to cause disruption
Where can I lay flowers for the Queen?
Flowers may be laid at Middle Meadow Walk and the Palace of Holyrood House but are not permitted at St Giles’ Cathedral.
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