Are schools in Scotland open and will they close following death of Queen Elizabeth II?

Schools across the country are awaiting imminent guidance from the Government following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

It is expected schools will close to allow all children to observe the official national day of mourning on the day of the Queen’s funeral.

However, they remain open across Scotland on Friday, STV News can confirm.

Teachers await the full confirmation of details for any forthcoming arrangements, with the date for the Queen’s funeral expected to take place in around ten days’ time – Monday, September 19.

Some areas in Scotland observe a public holiday weekend from Friday, September 16, to Monday, September 19, which would mean schools would already be closed.

East Lothian, Midlothian and South Ayrshire all have their September weekend between those two dates.

East Ayrshire and Edinburgh schools also have a public holiday on Monday, September 19, as do schools in Fraserburgh and Portlethen in Aberdeenshire, and Aberlour, Craigellachie, Knockando, Tomintoul, Dufftown, Burghead, Hopeman, Lossiemouth, Forres and Rothes in Moray.

Schools in Falkirk are to close on Monday, September 12, for their normal public holiday, with a local holiday also affecting schools in Buckie, Cullen, Findochty and Portknockie in Moray.

The Department of Education has contacted all headteachers in England to provide them with an update as the nation enters a period of national mourning.