A slight mist hung in the air at Balmoral Castle early on Sunday.
Members of the press were gathering on the crisp, bright morning ahead of the Queen’s final departure from what was one of her most beloved places to spend time.
The monarch’s coffin will begin its journey to its final resting place when it travels from Balmoral to Edinburgh.
Police officers stood guard at the castle gates beside floral tributes which have been laid by members of the public since the Queen died on Thursday.
Large crowds have queued in recent days to pay their respects but shortly before 8am on Sunday just a handful of mourners arrived to lay flowers.
Police said the area leading up to the entrance to Balmoral will be closed to members of the public for the coffin’s departure.
