Edinburgh awaits spectacle of HMS Queen Elizabeth as it navigates the Forth for repairs

Edinburgh residents are in for a rare sight as the HMS Queen Elizabeth, the UK's flagship aircraft carrier, embarks on a journey towards the Forth to Rosyth for crucial repairs. After withdrawing from a NATO exercise last month due to technical issues, the impressive mega warship left Portsmouth earlier today.

A routine inspection unveiled problems with a propeller shaft, prompting this unscheduled visit to the naval dockyard.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) confirmed the vessel's departure and announced that it will briefly anchor at Glen Mallen before continuing its voyage. As it navigates through the Forth, locals and enthusiasts will have the unique opportunity to witness this modern marvel of naval engineering up close.

This detour to Rosyth, while unplanned, underscores the rigorous maintenance and high standards upheld by the Royal Navy to ensure the operational readiness of its fleet. The HMS Queen Elizabeth's journey not only highlights the complexities involved in maintaining such a massive vessel but also serves as a reminder of the strategic importance of the UK's naval capabilities.

A Royal Navy spokesperson said: “The aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth is on her way to Rosyth in Scotland so any necessary repairs can be carried out on her starboard propeller shaft coupling.”