Lothian Buses warns of 'major disruption' as Edinburgh Council close roads

Warnings have been put in place of travel disruption across Edinburgh after a number of major roads were closed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

The City of Edinburgh Council issued a warning to commuters that they should expect “significant disruption” as the body of the monarch is moved to the capital following her death on Thursday.

Following the 96-year-old’s death at the Balmoral Estate on Thursday, Operation Unicorn will see her body moved to Edinburgh in the coming days, before heading down to London.

Lothian Buses issued a plea to the those travelling within the Scottish capital to “plan ahead where possible”.

They tweeted: “Please be advised that there is major disruption in the city.

“Please plan ahead where possible.”

Please be advised that there is major disruption in the city. Please plan ahead where possible. Visit service alerts at https://t.co/8XCIE0Ippu or on the homepage of our app https://t.co/iCW6S3j8XS for the latest information.
— Lothian Buses (@on_lothianbuses) September 9, 2022

On their website, the travel firm released the following service information;

City Centre – Royal Mile and Chambers Street – 35
Due to a number of road closures buses are unable to serve the Royal Mile until further notice. As a result these services will not serve Canongate or High Street in both directions or Lauriston Place/Chambers Street/South Bridge northbound.
City Centre – George IV Bridge – 41 42
Due to a number of road closures buses are unable to serve George IV Bridge until further notice. As a result these services will not serve George IV Bridge and The Mound in both directions.
City Centre – Royal Mile and George IV Bridge – 35
Due to a number of road closures buses are unable to serve the Royal Mile until further notice. As a result these services will not serve Canongate or High Street in both directions or Chambers Street northbound.
City Centre – George IV Bridge – 8 23 27
Due to a number of road closures buses are unable to serve George IV Bridge until further notice. As a result these services will not serve Lauriston Place/Chambers Street, George IV Bridge and The Mound on northbound journeys.

The council also stated that “further closures are expected in the coming days.”

Council leader Cammy Day said: “On behalf of the whole city of Edinburgh, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all the members of the royal family at this time of sadness and sorrow.

“Our city is highly experienced in handling major events, and we are working closely with Scottish Government, Police Scotland and transport providers to safely accommodate the large crowds of visitors who will wish to pay their respects to Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family over the next few days.

“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for significant disruption across the city, but particularly in the city centre. We’re closely with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on all plans.

“We are also urging everyone to consider their travel needs and avoid any journeys through the city centre where possible. If they do need to travel, we’re asking them to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and follow the very latest travel advice.”