Mourners begin queuing in Edinburgh for chance to say final farewell to Queen at St Giles' Cathedral

Thousands of mourners have started queuing in the centre of Edinburgh for the chance to pay their final respects to the Queen after her body was moved to the capital from Balmoral.

The former monarch will lie at rest in St Giles’ Cathedral from Monday afternoon following a procession up the city’s historic High Street and Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Members of the public will be able to view her coffin at the cathedral from 5.30pm on Monday until 3pm on Tuesday afternoon when it is transported to London by air.

Wristbands permitting entry are being issued at George Square Lane and North Meadow Walk in The Meadows.

Well-wishers began arriving early on Monday morning to gain entry to bid a final farewell to the Queen following her passing on Thursday at the age of 96.

George Higgins and Sheila Purvis were the first to start queuing up.

George Higgins and Sheila Purvis were the first to get in line on Monday morning. George said he had not slept after working a night shift at the University of Edinburgh and would be returning to work immediately after viewing the coffin.

Only people with wristbands will be allowed to enter and flowers are not be permitted to be brought in.

Anyone planning on attending is warned to expect long waits and airport-style security checks.

Mourners will be issued with wristbands allowing them to enter the cathedral.

Mourners are also being asked to pass the coffin without pausing in order to ensure as many people as possible can pay their respects.

Road closures throughout the city centre and Old Town areas remain in place, with locals warned to avoid the area unless they are attending mourning events or travel is absolutely necessary.

Two primary schools and an Early Years Centre in that part of the city have been closed on Monday.

Queues are predicted to stretch right across the Meadows.

City of Edinburgh Council said that work is ongoing with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland to manage any congested areas, with significant numbers of stewards drafted in alongside police officers to help keep the public safe.

It advised people to plan ahead, dress for the weather, bring plenty of water, prepare for long periods of standing, expect large crowds and look out for each other.

Traffic Scotland urged people to leave extra time for their journey.