Thousands expected to turn out in Edinburgh as route of Queen's final journey from Scotland revealed

Details of the route the Queen’s coffin will take as it leaves Scotland for the last time have been revealed.

Huge crowds are expected to turn out in the capital on Tuesday to pay their final respects to the late monarch as the cortege travels from the Royal Mile to Edinburgh airport.

Queen Elizabeth II is lying in state at St Giles’ Cathedral in Edinburgh, and council leader Cammy Day said the city would “look back with immense pride” at the role it has played since her death.

Thousands lined the streets on Monday to pay their respects as a procession transported the coffin from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral.

Members of the public will be able to process past the Queen’s coffin in the church until about 3pm on Tuesday when she will leave Scotland for the final time.

On route to Edinburgh airport from around 4pm, the cortege will travel along Lawnmarket to Johnston Terrace and then on to Castle Terrace and Lothian Road.

From there it will travel along Queensferry Street, Dean Bridge, Queensferry Road, Maybury Road and then Turnhouse Road, before arriving at Edinburgh Airport.

Edinburgh City Council confirmed a number of roads would be closed to the public to allow for the cortege to make the journey.

The Scottish Government have urged people to work from home if they can, and those not wishing to pay their respects in person are being asked to avoid any non-essential travel.

It is warned that there will be significant disruption to travel along the route of the Queen’s coffin with numerous road closures from 1pm. Some schools in Edinburgh will also be impacted and close earlier.

Council leader Cammy Day said: “As a city, we will look back with immense pride at the role we’ve played in hosting these momentous events as the world looked on.

“As we say farewell to Her Majesty, and welcome our new sovereign King Charles III, I want to pay tribute to the incredible support shown by the public and our communities over the past few days, truly capturing the spirit of the Queen and her connection to Scotland and Edinburgh.”

With more disruption expected on Tuesday, he urged people “to continue to bear with us and consider their travel needs”.

He also urged those arriving to pay their respects to the Queen – either at St Giles’ or by lining the route – to dress appropriately for the weather, and be prepared for long periods of standing.

Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “This will be an extremely busy time in Edinburgh as members of the public come to pay their final respects.

“In light of this, we respectfully ask people to avoid non-essential travel if possible.”

He continued: “Those wishing to line the route should plan ahead taking into consideration local road closures, allowing for extra time and limited facilities. Prepare for long periods of standing and large crowds. Check the weather before you leave and bring water.

“Information on travel can be found at Traffic Scotland, Traveline Scotland, City of Edinburgh Council, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh Tram and ScotRail websites and social media channels. We are encouraging everyone to check for the latest information before finalising their travel plans.”

In addition to roads on the route, extensive closures and diversions of adjoining roads will be in place, including all crossover junctions which, it is warned, will have a knock-on impact on surrounding trunk roads including the M8 and the Edinburgh City Bypass.

The Scottish Government is working with City of Edinburgh Council, Transport Scotland, Police Scotland, ScotRail and other partners to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, however, lengthy delays are to be expected.