Full list of city centre road closures as Tartan Parade returns to Edinburgh for second annual event
The Tartan Parade first took place in 2025 and returns to Edinburgh on Saturday, May 9.
A number of city centre road will be closed today as the Tartan Parade returns to the Capital.
The Tartan Parade first took place in 2025 and celebrated Scottish culture with a parade of pipe bands, clans, dancers and musicians from across the country.
Of course, participants are decked out in traditional tartan patterns as a way to celebrate Scottish culture.
The second annual event will begin at 1pm as those taking part prepare to march through Edinburgh’s Old Town before attending a ticketed event at Usher Hall later this evening which will feature performances from the likes of the Red Hot Chili Pipers and Ally the Piper.
Organisers said that 2,500 people are set to take part in this year’s parade, adding: “The route for the Edinburgh Tartan Parade in 2026 begins at City Chambers on the ICONIC Royal Mile at 1pm, weaving its way down Cockburn Street, continuing to Waverley Bridge, and culminating at the picturesque Mound Precinct.
“Attendees enjoyed a dazzling display of clan tartans, as well as lively performances from pipe bands and Highland dancers, with organisations and individuals all coming together to celebrate Edinburgh's 900 years of history and heritage, as well as its inclusivity and diversity today.
“The Edinburgh Tartan Parade proudly celebrates Edinburgh's culture, community engagement, while commemorating Edinburgh's significant 900th anniversary as a city. Our vision has been to unite people in the appreciation of the beauty of tartan, both in Scotland and all around the world.”
As a result of the daytime march, various roads will be closed throughout Edinburgh city centre.
Full list of Tartan Parade road closures in Edinburgh City Centre
From 11.30am until 3pm on Saturday, May 9:
- Johnston Terrace - In its entirety (except residents’ egress between Castle Wynd Steps North & Castle Terrace)
- Castlehill - In its entirety
- Lawnmarket - In its entirety
- High Street - Between Lawnmarket and South Bridge
- St Giles Street - In its entirety
- Cockburn Street - In its entirety
From 12pm until 3pm:
- Waverley Bridge - In its entirety
There will also be parking and loading restrictions on the following streets until 3pm:
- Johnston Terrace - Both sides between the Castle Wynd Steps North and Lawnmarket
- Castlehill - Both sides in its entirety
- Lawnmarket - Both sides in its entirety
- High Street - Between Lawnmarket and South Bridge
- West Parliament Square - In its entirety
- Parliament Square - In its entirety
- St Giles Street - Both sides in its entirety
- Cockburn Street - Both sides in its entirety
- Market Street - Both sides between The Mound and a point 30m east of Waverley Bridge
- George IV Bridge - Both sides between Victoria St and Lawnmarket
- Bank Street Both - sides in its entirety
- North Bank Street - Both sides in its entirety
- Mound Place - Both sides in its entirety (except resident permit holders)
- The Mound - Both sides in its entirety
- Waverley Bridge - Both sides in its entirety
- George Street - North side from the western extent of the bus stop outside St Andrew’s and St George’s West church eastwards to St Andrew Square (except public service buses)
- Chambers St - North side between Guthrie Street and South Bridge