With the Queen’s coffin set to travel through Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen before being taken to Edinburgh, people in the north-east will be able to pay their respects personally to Her Majesty on Sunday.
The coffin is expected to leave Balmoral at about 10am on Sunday and will pass through Royal Deeside on its route to the Granite City before heading to the monarch’s official residence in Scotland, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh.
It has been announced that the cortege will travel through the following places in Aberdeenshire on its way to Aberdeen via the A93 Aboyne road.
- Balmoral
- Ballater
- Aboyne
- Banchory
- Peterculter
The Press & Journal has taken a look at the best vantage points to see Queen Elizabeth as she begins her route to her resting place.
Ballater
A village synonymous with the royals, the Queen had a great affinity for Ballater and it will be a poignant moment when her coffin is driven through.
One of the most picturesque places on Deeside, the Cairngorm Mountains provide a stunning backdrop.
The car will stop in the village at 10.12am as part of a short ceremony, with it stopping outside Glenmuick Church in Church Square.
This tribute will be attended by the lord lieutenants of Aberdeenshire, as well as senior council officers and Aberdeenshire councillors.
Another good place to watch would be on Bridge Street in the heart of the village, with parking available in Church Square.
Aboyne
Another picturesque Deeside village with royal connections.
When the procession goes through Aboyne, a good vantage point could be on Ballater Road, next to the village green.
This will give people a good view as the car goes past and there is also parking available nearby, with it being located next to the centre of the village.
Banchory
Royal Deeside‘s biggest town has a long affinity with the Queen and royal family and the procession will pass through here on its way west towards Aberdeen.
The High Street will be a prime location to watch, as well wishers will watch it go by and pay their respects.
There is also ample parking spaces in the town centre, including at the nearby Bellfield and King George V parks.
Entry to Aberdeen
Upon leaving Royal Deeside, the car will cross the River Dee and enter Peterculter on the outskirts of Aberdeen.
It will then go through Milltimber, Bieldside and Cults before coming to the West End and central parts of the Granite City.
Below are some of the best places in Aberdeen, which has a long connection with the Queen and her family.
Duthie Park
A park the Queen visited in the past, including with Prince Philip as part of her Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002, it is a good place to watch the procession.
Situated near the River Dee on Riverside Drive, there is space at the gates of the park and on the pavement to watch.
Aberdeen’s Lord Provost David Cameron will lead a tribute as the cortege goes past the park and will be joined by deputy lieutenants, council leaders, councillors and Aberdeen City Council’s chief executive.
The car is expected to slow down, potentially to walking speed, to allow crowds to say farewell to the country’s longest-serving monarch, in what will be the last chance for the North-east to say goodbye to one of their own.
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