Explainer

Where and when can I see the Queen Lying at Rest in Scotland?

Thousands of people are expected to queue for an opportunity to file past the Queen's coffin in Edinburgh. Credit: PA

The public will have the opportunity to file past the Queen's coffin in Edinburgh, as she lies in rest in the Scottish capital at the beginning of this week.

As the Queen died at Balmoral Castle, a short period of Lying at Rest will take place in the Scotland, before her coffin is flown from Edinburgh Airport to London, on Tuesday.

The Queen will then lie in state at the Palace of Westminster for four days, from Wednesday, September 14 until the morning of her funeral on Monday, September 19.

On Sunday, the hearse carrying the Queen travelled from Balmoral to Edinburgh via Dundee and Aberdeen on a six-hour journey, as thousands lined the streets in the rain to bid farewell.

Guns will be fired as the coffin procession travels up Edinburgh's Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to nearby St Giles’ Cathedral on Monday, September 12.

Charles III will lead the royal family in procession as the Queen’s coffin is taken to St Giles' for a service of thanksgiving at 3pm. The last round will be fired as the hearse stops outside the cathedral.

Her coffin will be guarded by Vigils from The Royal Company of Archers with the Crown of Scotland placed atop it.


Watch the Queen's final journey through Scotland.


Where and when can the public view the coffin?

Members of the public will be able to file past the catafalque to pay their respects, at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, from around 5.30pm on Monday until 3pm on Tuesday, September 13.

The queue will start at George Square Lane/North Meadow Walk in The Meadows.

Visitors will walk the designated route to the security tent at St Giles, once they’ve been issued with a wristband.

The distance from the wristband entrance to the cathedral is 1.5 miles in length. Visitors are also being warned to expect a mixture of challenging terrain, including cobbles, steep incline and uneven surfaces.

How long will I be queuing for?

Official guidance states: "The queue is expected to be very long. You will need to stand for long periods of time, possibly many hours, with very little opportunity to sit down, as the queue will keep moving."

Due to the long waiting times visitors are being encouraged to consider whether they bring young children with them.


The remarkable life of the Queen remembered in our latest episode of What You Need To Know.


What level of security will be there?

An airport-style security search point will greet visitors before they enter St Giles.

The police may also conduct security searches along parts of the queue. People are urged to follow instructions given by the police, stewards and other volunteers.

Antisocial or inappropriate behaviour, including queue-jumping or drunken behaviour, will not be tolerated and you will be removed from the queue.

Are there any banned items?

There is a strict bag policy in operation. Visitors are only permitted to bring one small bag per person into St Giles.

Guidance states the bag must be smaller than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm, with one simple opening or zip, so you can move quickly through the security check.

Large items being carried in addition to bags, including sleeping bags, blankets, carrier bags, folding chairs, camping equipment, non-retractable umbrellas and children’s pushchairs will not be permitted.

A full list of prohibited items can be found on the Scottish government’s website.

The Queen's coffin arriving in Edinburgh. Credit: PA

What should I bring?

The Scottish government is urging people to dress appropriately for wet and cold weather.

Food and water, sunscreen, a mobile phone charger and essential medication are also listed as items that people should bring with them.

Can I film or take photographs?

Guidance states visitors cannot film, photograph, use mobile phones or other handheld devices in the security search area or within St Giles.

Can I still attend if I’m disabled?

Step-free access will be available for those who need it. The security search point and cathedral will also have step-free access.

Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other official assistance dogs are permitted within St Giles.