The Princess Royal to join the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches on Sunday

On Sunday The Princess Royal will be on horseback to join the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches which ends at the Mercat Cross with a ceremony.

HRH will be among the 300 riders and horses processing up the Royal Mile to West Parliament Square as part of the ancient ceremony which is free for spectators.

Sam Lockhart, Press Officer for the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, said: “This event is a living connection to Edinburgh’s past.

“It will be bringing together riders from across Scotland and beyond, uniting communities in celebration of tradition, resilience and the beauty of our city.

“We are honoured that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal will be joining the event on horseback, marking the culmination of the Edinburgh 900 celebrations.  We look forward to sharing with Her Royal Highness the spirit, pride and community that has woven the historical and cultural tapestry of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.

“The People’s Procession is a living tribute to the people who have shaped Edinburgh across centuries” said Iain Whyte, Chair of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches. 

“If you’re in town, this will be a day to remember. We are delighted that Scottish broadcaster, actor and Pantomime legend, Grant Stott, will be leading the procession and we will be welcoming groups from across Edinburgh, including schools, community organisations, charities, volunteers, music, dance, theatre and more.  Expect to see everything from surgeons to sporting institutions, bus drivers to paramedics, school pupils to military veterans.  What better way to celebrate Edinburgh’s 900th year as a city, than to put our citizens at the forefront of the stage.”

Originating in the 16th Century, the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches was a vital civic duty to inspect the city’s boundaries.  Today, it has evolved into one of the capital’s most vibrant public events, drawing thousands of spectators to witness the dramatic finale as the cavalcade ascends the Royal Mile, led by pipe bands and the Edinburgh Captain and Lass.

Along with the re-enactment of the ancient practise of ‘riding the marches’, the event also commemorates the return of Randolph Murray with the Blue Blanket and the tragic news of the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.

Around 300 riders take part, embarking on a 26-mile route, enjoying a morning of gallops through some of Edinburgh’s countryside, before making their way into the city centre.

The programme includes entertainment on the Royal Mile and processions of walkers and riders in the afternoon. This is the planned schedule:

12.30pm – Entertainment begins on the Royal Mile with

• The Jacobites Ceilidh Band (they will be attempting a world-record attempt of the largest ceilidh on the Royal Mile)
• Erskine Stewart Melville School Pipe Band
• George Heriot’s School Pipe Band
• George Watson’s College Pipe Band
• History Matters Reenactment Team
• Wild Knights Reenactment Team
• Ukrainian Choir

(The event area is split into 3 performing areas, with acts performing in them simultaneously.)

2pm/2.15pm/2.30pm – 3pm – The Edinburgh 900 People’s Procession, led by Grand Marshall, Grant Stott – See here for details on all groups taking part. This procession will depart from Broad Pavement Carpark, process up the Royal Mile and will disband in West Parliament Square at 3pm, should you wish to take the opportunity for more images or any interviews.

3.25pm – The cavalcade of horses will arrive at Horse Wynd Roundabout within Holyrood Park, where they will fall in behind George Watsons Pipe Band and begin the journey past Scottish Parliament, the Palace of Holyroodhouse and onward up the Royal Mile. 

This cavalcade will be led by the Edinburgh Principal Riders, Edinburgh Captain Adam Geehan who will be carrying the City of Edinburgh Banner (white flag with a castle on) and to his left, Edinburgh Lass Kirsten Lees.  They will be mounted on ‘grey’ horses and followed by further riders, including mounted officers of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and her Lady in Waiting, Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Colin Cunningham, Lord Provost Consort and Norma Cuthbertson, Executive Assistant to the Lord Provost and Clerk to the Lieutenancy, riders from the 29 Riding Towns of Scotland (identified by their different coloured Town sashes or coloured regalia) and some visiting international riders. 

Ahead of the mounted cavalcade will be processional parties and flag-bearers on foot, which includes Cllr Lezley Marion Cameron, Depute Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, the City Officer, the Deacon Convener of the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh, Dean of Guild, High Constables, Members of the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh, The Company of Merchants of the City of Edinburgh and Members of the Edinburgh Exiles Society

3.50pm: Arrival of the Cavalcade of horses at the Mercat Cross and shortly after, the Mercat Cross Ceremony commences.

4.25pm: ‘March to St. Giles’ played by Pipe Major Stuart Currie from the balustrade of the City Chambers.

4.30pm: Ceremony concludes, cavalcade of horses begin their departure, event ends shortly after.

https://edinburghridingofthemarches.com (where you will find the best spectator viewing points for the whole route)

The Riding of the Marches passed through Holyrood Park and up The Royal Mile to end at the Mercat Cross
The Rt Hon Lord Provost Robert Aldridge passes accompanied by The Provost Consort Colin Cunningham
Picture Alan Simpson 15/9/24

The Riding of the Marches passed through Holyrood Park and up The Royal Mile to end at the Mercat Cross
Pic shows Cllr Iain Whyte Chairman of Edinburgh March Riding Association carrying the orange colours of the historic ward
Picture Alan Simpson 15/9/24

Edinburgh Riding of the Marches. © 2024 Martin McAdam

Edinburgh Riding of the Marches. © 2024 Martin McAdam

Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.

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