Lothian and Borders Police has warned of some road closures and traffic diversions when the Olympic Torch relay comes to the capital on Wednesday.
The Torch will arrive in the Lothians on Wednesday afternoon via the impressive backdrop of the Forth Road Bridge.
To allow the Torch convoy to cross from Fife into the Lothians, it will be necessary for all traffic on the Forth Road Bridge to be temporarily “stopped from crossing” for approximately five minutes. This will occur around 4.20pm on Wednesday.
Chief Supt Derek Robertson of Lothian and Borders Police, said: “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Olympic Torch to visit our communities and we hope the public will enjoy the event and work with us to minimise any disruption.
“Our officers will be there to ease any congestion and the public can rest assured that the Forth Road Bridge will be reopened to traffic as quickly as possible.
“Anyone intending to travel on Wednesday and Thursday when the torch relay is in our area, should plan their journey in advance and be aware that road restrictions and closures may be in place at various locations.
“Along the torch route, traffic conjestion and delays are inevitble as traffic will be held to allow the Torch to proceed.
“I would ask that people use the detailed information available and plan accordingly for their journey on these key days. They should avoid Olympic Torch Relay routes at certain times unless they are there specifically attending for the celebrations and events.”
“It is our intention that as many people as possible should be able to savour and enjoy the spectacle of the Olympic Torch whilst also providing for our local communities to go about their daily business with minimal disruption.”
Carried by inspirational torchbearers from local communities, celebrities and VIPs, the Olympic Torch will visit Hopetoun House and Broxburn in West Lothian before heading into the Capital city.
It will then be carried through Edinburgh from Gorgie Road at Stenhouse Drive, setting off at approximately 5.45pm to arrive at Edinburgh Castle around 7.35pm. Roads in the vicinity of the Castle will be closed that afternoon including the Mound, Market Street, North Bank Street, Bank Street and George IV Bridge.
On Thursday, the Torch leaves Festival Square, Edinburgh around 7am and heads to the Scottish Parliament before proceeding to Duddingston Village via Lothian Road, High Street, Pleasance and then on to Milton Road. Therefater, it leaves by vehicle convoy to Musselburgh.
It will then visit Lasswade, Penicuik, Innerleithen, Selkrik, Galashiels, Duns and Chirnshide-Fouden before heading into Northumbria for the next stages of its journey.
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