Public urged to plan ahead as Queen's cortege route through Scotland revealed in full

The public is expected to gather in large numbers along the line of the cortege route to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen tomorrow.

The route starts from Balmoral at 10am and is due to arrive in Edinburgh six hours later, although timings are fluid based on a number of elements.

The cortege will travel from Balmoral on the A93 to Aberdeen, then North Deeside Road, Holburn Street and Great Southern Road past Duthie Park, and then to Dundee and Edinburgh via the A92 and the A90.

There will be opportunities for the public to view the Royal Hearse and pay their respects at civic events as it passes through Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and Dundee.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “Her Majesty’s death at Balmoral Castle means Scotland has lost one of its most dedicated and beloved servants. The grief we have seen across the world has been profound and deeply touching.

"It will be especially poignant to see Her Majesty’s coffin begin its journey from her Aberdeenshire home to the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.

“This is a chance for people to gather together publicly and begin to mark our country’s shared loss. We anticipate many, many people will be keen to pay their respects and we ask them to observe public safety messaging to ensure the safety of all.”

Those wishing to attend are being urged to do so safely, plan ahead and allow extra time, taking account of local and city centre road closures, weather conditions, limited facilities and the likelihood of spending many hours at the roadside.

Aberdeenshire event

After leaving Balmoral Castle the Royal cortege will pass along the A93, reaching Ballater for the Aberdeenshire tribute at 10:12am.

This will be attended by the Lord Lieutenants of Aberdeenshire, as well as senior officers and Councillors.

Stewards will guide members of the public at settlements along the route.

Aberdeen event

The cortege will follow the A93 and enter Aberdeen at around 11:00am, following North Deeside Road and then travelling through Cults.

It will proceed along Great Western Road, Holburn Street and Great Southern Road passing Duthie Park.

The Lord Provost of Aberdeen in his role as Lord-Lieutenant will lead a tribute joined by civic dignitaries from Aberdeen including Deputy Lieutenants, Council Leaders, other elected members, and the council Chief Executive.

Members of the public have been invited to pay their respects at the ceremony at Great Southern Road by Duthie Park or on a footpath along the route.

Temporary road restrictions will be in place from 06:00am the day of the event.

Dundee event

The cortege will follow the A90 to Dundee, arriving at the boundary around 14:00, before proceeding west on the Kingsway to the Swallow roundabout.

Public viewing areas are along the A90 Forfar Road and Kingsway. There are numerous safe standing areas along both sides of the A90 and Kingsway.

Civic dignitaries from across Tayside and Fife, including Lord Lieutenants, Lord Provost, Provosts, council leaders, other elected members and council chief executives, will stand on a dais just prior to the cortege leaving the city.

The speed limit on the Kingsway at Dundee will be reduced to 40mph for its whole length throughout the day in the interests of public safety.

Advice for people travelling to pay their respects

People are being advised not to leave vehicles at the side of the road and only park in designated areas.

Those coming to the area by car should allow plenty of time to travel and park within the designated areas.

Those wishing to leave floral tributes are asked to do so at designated areas along the route and mourners have been requested not to throw flowers at the convoy as it passes.

Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Malcolm Graham said: “We understand that the public will want to show their respects to Her Majesty and we would urge them to do so safely.

“If you are attending to view the Queen’s cortege, please do not leave your vehicle at the side of the road as this poses a risk to public safety. Please only park in designated areas and follow the directions of stewards and police officers.

“We would also urge people not to stand in unsafe areas and to keep off the carriageway at all times. There will be rolling road closures along the route.

“Other roads close to the route are expected to be significantly affected as large numbers of people from across Scotland and beyond come to pay their respects."

An event of "unprecendeted scale"

Traffic Scotland operator manager Stein Connelly said: “This is an event of unprecedented scale. Even the recent COP26 gathering in Glasgow cannot match the amount of preparation and planning that has gone into this operation.

“I am grateful to our partners for their efforts to date, however in order for the next few days to be successful we need the public to play their part by planning ahead, checking before they travel, and allowing extra time for journeys.

“Every effort will be made to minimise disruption to the travelling public, but significant delays are expected. Please plan ahead and use public transport where possible. If you absolutely have to travel by car, allow extra time and only park within designated areas.

For up to date travel information and other updates, you can visit the Traffic Scotland website and check local authority websites for more localised information.

Edinburgh prepares for major ceremonial events

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