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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Jacob Rawley

Rules for visiting Queen's coffin in Edinburgh - with long queues and strict bag checks

Thousands of mourners will get the chance to say goodbye to the Queen in Edinburgh today as her coffin is moved to St Giles' Cathedral.

Her Majesty's cortege travelled to the Scottish capital on Sunday in a six-hour journey from her beloved Balmoral as tearful supporters gathered along the route.

On Monday afternoon, King Charles will lead the Royal family in a poignant procession along the Royal Mile to the Cathedral, where the Queen will rest for a service of thanksgiving.

According to the Scottish Government, mourners will get the chance to file past Her Majesty's coffin from 5:30pm today until 3pm tomorrow.

Those hoping to attend have been warned of long queues as large crowds are expected to gather - both to see the Royal Mile procession, and to file past Queen's coffin at the Cathedral. It will also involve strict bag checks.

Mourners will have a chance to file past Her Majesty's coffin at St Giles’ Cathedral from 5:30pm today. (Getty Images)

As people are expected to stand for long periods of time, here is what you should do if you are planning to see the Queen's coffin today.

Arrive in good time

Mourners should arrive in good time as there are expected to be long queues today. Scottish Government guidance warns that there are expected to be delays on public transport due to large crowds.

The ScotRail website states: "We will do everything we can to help people pay their respects at any of the ceremonial events taking place in Scotland.

"Our trains will be busier than normal, particularly to and from Edinburgh, during this period, and we will keep people up to date across our social media channels and on our website."

Mourners are asked to arrive on foot as there are a series of local and major road closures in Edinburgh today.

The queue may close early to ensure as many visitors as possible can enter the cathedral before the Lying-At-Rest period ends, according to the Scottish Government.

Get a wristband

You will need a wristband to be allowed to see the Queen's coffin today.

You can get a wristband at George Square Lane/North Meadow Walk in The Meadows, Edinburgh. The distance from the wristband entrance to St. Giles' Cathedral is 1.5 miles.

One wristband per person will be issued. You should not attempt to queue on behalf of others or ask others to queue on your behalf.

While Middle Meadow Walk you may lay flowers, but cannot do so at St Giles Cathedral. Flowers will also not be permitted into the cathedral.

Be prepared for long queues

While the queue will pass a number of locations where refreshments can be bought, people are being asked to come prepared with food and drink. You should also bring essential medication or equipment.

Mourners are also being asked to come prepared with coats and sunscreen due to Scotland's changeable weather. You may also wish to bring a mobile phone charger.

The Scottish Government has warned: “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.

“Please consider this before you decide to attend or bring children with you."

Be prepared for bag checks

There will be bag checks at St Giles' Cathedral, and there are a number of items that are not permitted.

The police may conduct security searches along parts of the queue and before entering St Giles' Cathedral mourners must go through an airport-style security search point.

Prohibited items include:

  • bags larger than 40cm x 30cm x 20cm in size, bags or rucksacks with expandable compartments, bags or rucksacks with multiple pockets or complex openings, solid sided bags, or bags on wheels
  • flasks – this includes metal reusable water bottles
  • no food or liquids of any kind. Clear plastic or glass reusable water bottles will be permitted but must be emptied before entering
  • tribute items (including flowers, candles, soft toys, photographs)
  • medium to large sized cameras (including telescopic lens), video recorders and other electrical similar sized equipment
  • personal defence equipment (e.g flick knives, butterfly knives and personal defence sprays)- items which are lawful in some countries are not permitted in the UK and anyone found in possession of such items are liable to arrest
  • sharp items (e.g knives, including Swiss Army knives, scissors, cutlery and screwdrivers)
  • paint sprays, Padlocks, chains and climbing gear
  • fireworks, smoke canisters, air horns, flares, whistles laser devices, and other items that could be used to cause a disturbance or noise
  • banners, placards, flags and similar items that could be used to cause a disturbance

The Scottish Government says: "Prohibited items will be confiscated and will not be returned. Illegal items will be dealt with by the police."

People are also reminded that they should not film or take photographs with a mobile phone or other handheld devices in the security search area or within St Giles'.

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