Edinburgh set to come alive as Riding of the Marches and People's Procession return to the capital
Annual event set to bring noise and colour to Edinburgh’s Old Town
The historic streets of the Old Town will come alive on Sunday as nearly 300 horse riders take part in Edinburgh Riding of the Marches and Edinburgh People's Procession.
Thousands of spectators are expected to line the city's Royal Mile as the ancient traditions, pageantry, music and colour of the capital's past and present combine in a unique celebration of Edinburgh's heritage, communities and civic pride.
The day will culminate with the thunder of hooves, the sound of pipe bands and the sight of hundreds of participants in ceremonial dress, as the cavalcade creates an unforgettable experience in the heart of the capital.
The horses depart from Drum Estate at 9.30am, with the entertainment beginning on the Royal Mile, between Cockburn Street and St. Giles’ Street at the Lawnmarket at 12.30pm, and the Edinburgh People's Procession departing from Queen's Drive, Holyrood Park at 2.30pm.
At 3.30pm the Grand Cavalcade of Horses will arrive on the Royal Mile, followed by the Flag Ceremony at the Mercat Cross at 4pm. Half an hour later, the horses will start to depart and head back down the Royal Mile, into Holyrood Park, where the free event finishes.
Spectators are encouraged to support the riders and participants from designated viewing points, including Mortonhall Estate, Lasswade Road, Captain's Road, Moredun, Craigmillar Castle Park, Holyrood Park and the Royal Mile.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: "I'm very much looking forward to this weekend's Riding of the Marches and the return of the People's Procession. Rooted in the 16th century, this tradition has evolved into an exciting public spectacle, bringing together history, ceremony and community spirit.
“For me, it will be my final time taking part in the event and it will be a moment of great pride to complete the ride."
Iain Whyte, chairman of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches, said: "The People's Procession is a living tribute to the people who have shaped Edinburgh across the centuries and those who continue to make our city thrive today. If you're in Edinburgh this weekend, this will be a day to remember.
"We are delighted to announce that Lothian Buses driver Nathan Warikandwa has kindly agreed to be this year’s Grand Marshal and lead the People’s Procession up the Royal Mile, supported by his colleagues from Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.
“We invited the public transport operators to lead the procession in recognition of the particularly challenging period in August when bus and tram services were affected by the Princes Street fire.
“Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams staff showed great patience in the face of a very trying time and went above and beyond to keep Edinburgh’s visitors and residents moving through the summer.
“This is our way of saying thank you to everyone at Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams and to show our appreciation of their year-round work for the people of the city.”
Gaynor Marshall, communications director, Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams, said: “It is a privilege for representatives of our organisation to take part in the Edinburgh People’s Procession this year. We are exceptionally proud that Nathan has been invited to serve as Grand Marshal, a distinction that reflects the dedication, professionalism and commitment demonstrated across our workforce.
"This recognition is also a tribute to the colleagues across Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams who work tirelessly every day to keep our city connected. Their commitment to our customers and communities is a true team effort, and we are delighted to see their contribution recognised and celebrated this Sunday.”
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches dates back to the 16th century and commemorates the historic practice of civic representatives riding the boundaries of Edinburgh’s Common Land.
Originally undertaken to inspect, safeguard and affirm the city’s territorial limits, the custom played a vital role in protecting Edinburgh’s Common Land rights and asserting its authority against encroachment by neighbouring landowners and the landed gentry.
Today, the re-enactment has evolved into one of Scotland’s most distinctive civic events, celebrating both the historic defence of the Common Land on behalf of the people of Edinburgh and the return of Randolph Murray carrying the Blue Blanket, bringing news of Scotland’s defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513.
This year, around 300 riders will complete a 26-mile route through Edinburgh's countryside and historic boundary points before making their ceremonial entrance into the city centre.
Many participants travel from Scotland's 29 Common Riding towns, proudly wearing traditional uniform and coloured sashes representing their own communities and centuries-old festivals.
Leading the cavalcade will be Edinburgh Captain Jonathan Cooper, carrying the Edinburgh City Banner, accompanied by Edinburgh Lass Amy Joanne Mole.