250 horses gallop through Capital in ancient tradition

THOUSANDS of spectators turned out to watch the recently-resurrected tradition of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.

Riders galloped from Todshill to the Mercat Cross yesterday, led by this year’s Captain Elect, Councillor Iain Whyte and the first ever Edinburgh Lass, Tracy McNaughton.

The 250-strong procession was greeted by spectators along the route, with thousands turning out along the Royal Mile to watch the City Standard being handed back to the Lord Provost.

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John Baxter of the Edinburgh March Riding Association, said: “The most spectacular part of the route is the Royal Mile. You don’t see 250 horses galloping up there every day.”

The event was revived three years ago after a 63-year break, with the first Riding Of The Marches in 1579. It commemorates the return of the Captain of the City Band, Randolph Murray, in 1513 with news of the Scottish defeat at the Battle of Flodden.