SCHOOLS across the Borders will close on the day of Queen Elizabeth II’s funeral, the council has confirmed.

Her Majesty’s state funeral is due to take place on Monday (September 19) – which has been confirmed as a bank holiday.

Scottish Borders Council said its services – including schools and childcare facilities – will be closed.

Health and social care provision and other critical services will operate “as required”, according to the local authority.

A spokesperson said: “Alternative service delivery arrangements are being planned where required, for example kerbside waste and recycling collections, and will be communicated in due course.

“Please note that our locations with Books of Condolence will also be closed on the day of the state funeral, therefore the last opportunity to sign these will be as follows. An online book of condolence is available on the Royal Family website.

  • Coldstream Library Contact Centre – Thursday (September 15)
  • Council Headquarters, Newtown St Boswells – Friday (Sept 16)
  • Duns Library Contact Centre – Friday (Sept 16)
  • Eyemouth Library – Friday (Sept 16)
  • Galashiels Contact Centre – Friday (Sept 16)
  • Hawick Contact Centre – Friday (Sept 16)
  • Jedburgh Grammar Campus Library Contact Centre – Saturday (Sept 17)
  • Kelso Library Contact Centre – Saturday (Sept 17)
  • Newcastleton Primary School – Friday (Sept 16)
  • Peebles Contact Centre – Friday (Sept 16)
  • West Linton Primary School (during school hours) – Friday (Sept 16)

“A number of communities and organisations have arranged their own Books of Condolence and are managing these individually.

“Members of the public planning to visit Edinburgh today for the Queen’s cortege journey to Edinburgh Airport are urged to plan ahead and check travel information for updates and advice.”