More than 30,000 visited Queen’s coffin in Edinburgh

Around 33,000 people paid their respects to the Queen as her body lay in St Giles’ Cathedral, it has been confirmed.

Royal events in Edinburgh came to a close on Tuesday after the Queen’s body was transported to Buckingham Palace ahead of a state funeral on Monday.

Following the Queen’s death at Balmoral last week, thousands lined the route as her coffin was transported to Edinburgh via Aberdeen and Dundee.

The Scottish Government has now confirmed that around 33,000 mourners were able to file past the coffin in St Giles’ between 5pm on Monday and Tuesday afternoon.

The miles-long queue made its way around the city through George Square and down Middle Meadow Walk through the Meadows, with many queuing through the night. 

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon thanked the public servants “who have worked tirelessly in recent days and over many years to develop and, when the time sadly came, implement Operation Unicorn.” 

The First Minister said: “Thousands across the emergency services, local authorities, armed forces, volunteer networks, transport and government agencies have helped ensure that Scotland paid fitting tribute to The Queen and that Scots from all walks of life could celebrate the unparalleled contribution she made in her 70-year reign.

“The events of recent days have provided a sincere, solemn and fitting tribute from the people of Scotland to Her Majesty The Queen.”

“Scotland has now bid our Queen of Scots a sad, but fond farewell. We will not see her like again.”

The Queen will lie in state in Westminster Hall for four days ahead of Monday’s state funeral.