The 2025 Edinburgh Riding of the Marches will take place on Sunday 14th September.
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches is one of Edinburgh’s largest public events, taking place right in the heart of the Scottish capital every September.
Taking its roots from the historical Common Ridings of Scotland, 280 horses traverse the ancient Royal Mile. This spectacular cavalcade is a re-enactment of the return of the Captain of the Trained Band (responsible for keeping order within the City) to Edinburgh with the tragic news of defeat at the Battle of Flodden, 1513.
Every year, following a morning of high-energy gallops through some of Edinburgh’s countryside to re-enact the riding of the boundaries of the City, the Captain and Lass will lead the horses up Edinburgh’s Royal Mile towards the Mercat Cross. Crowds in excess of 20,000 line the Royal Mile from midday onwards, awaiting the arrival of the Cavalcade. Accompanied by several pipe bands and led by the Lord Provost, City Officer, The High Constables, The Deacon Convener of the Incorporated Trades of Edinburgh, Trades Officer, The Old Master and Lord Dean of Guild of the Merchants Company of Edinburgh and representatives carrying their Edinburgh Trades Banners and representatives from the Edinburgh Exiles Association, all carrying their associated banners and flags in what has proven to be a fantastic spectacle, with resonating historical and cultural significance.
Stuart McFarlane, Scotland’s rugby reporter for Talksport, BBC Sports commentator and regular voice of Radio Borders commentates the proceedings on the Royal Mile and we are joined by our regular Pipe and Silver bands, including St Ronan’s Silver Band, Erskine Stewart’s Melville School Pipe Band, George Heriot’s School Pipe Band and George Watson’s Pipe Band, as well as stunt performers to keep the crowds entertained.
Upon arrivat at the Mercat Cross, the Edinburgh Captain dismounts and ascends the Mercat Cross, accompanied by the Edinburgh Lass, whereupon the Lord Provost extends his welcome to the riders and spectators. The Edinburgh Captain will then lower the City Banner from atop the Mercat Cross, followed by the Blue Blanket, all the flags of the Incorporate Trades of Edinburgh, The Merchants of Edinburgh and the Edinburgh Exiles, during which a Bugler will play the Last Post’. A one minute silence is then observed for the fallen of Flodden and all Wars. To complete the mark of respect, the Bugler plays ‘Reveille’, the flags raise and the Captain performs a short speech, declaring the boundaries of the City of Edinburgh to be safe and intact, presenting the Lord Provost with the City Banner, unsullied and unstained. The event then concludes and the riders then depart and head to the ‘Three Sisters Bar’ on the Canongate for the famous ‘After Party’ – ALL WELCOME!
The event also attracts visitors from across the Globe, who travel to Edinburgh specifically to ride in, or spectate the proceedings. The Event Arena, situated on the Royal Mile and focussed near to the Mercat Cross on Parliament Square, stretches from South Bridge to North Bridge, just beyond the majestic St Giles Cathedral.
The Edinburgh Riding of the Marches now ranks among Edinburgh’s flagship events and as well as attracting significant local following, it also proves to be a major attraction for tourists.
For further information relating to this event, please do contact us.
*SPECTATOR VIEWING POINTS*
EDINBURGH RIDING OF THE MARCHES 2025 – Sunday 14th September
ALL WELCOME!
Please note: all timings are approximate & there may be slight changes due to weather conditions or other issues out-with our control.
Spectators are requested not to venture into fields on the ride route & must at all times follow directions of ground marshals & observe parking regulations. Please take care not to impede the progress of the ride & support vehicles.
The ride starts from ‘The Caravan Park’ 642 Old Dalkeith Rd, EH16 4SL within Drum Estate. Please note: only equine vehicles may park within ‘The Caravan Park’.
– 0930hrs sharp, ride starts
– Drum Estate Canters can be viewed from Gilmerton Road near Bernard Hunter’s yard 0930-0950hrs
– 1000hrs Ride proceeds North on Lasswade Road
– 1020-1025hrs Ride proceeds along Captains Road – good opportunity to view full cavalcade
– Ride enters Mortonhall Estate at 1100hrs & exits at 1125hrs. Canters can be viewed from the cottages at Broomhills Road
– Final Drum Estate Canters can be viewed 1200–1215hrs within the Estate
– Lunch stop takes place at ‘The Caravan Park’ between 1215-1335hrs, after which the ride exits the Drum onto Old Dalkeith Road
– If you wish to see the ride on the Royal Mile, you should make your way there around this stage
– 1230hrs Entertainment begins on the Royal Mile
– 1430hrs Ride enters Craigmillar Castle Park. This section takes place from 1432-1440hrs & is an excellent viewing point. Please note: vehicles cannot stop on Craigmillar Castle Road
– 1430hrs The Edinburgh 900 People’s Procession leaves Queens Drive, Holyrood Park and walks up the Royal Mile
– 1500hrs The People’s Procession arrives in the Royal Mile event arena and disbands in West Parliament Square
– 1505hrs Ride approaches Duddingston at Old Church Lane
– 1515hrs George Watsons Pipe Band forms-up at Broad Pavement Carpark & awaits cavalcade
– 1540hrs Ride falls-in behind George Watsons
– Cavalcade up the Royal Mile to the Mercat Cross takes place between 1545-1555hrs.
– 1556hrs Cavalcade halts at the Mercat Cross. Captain & Lass take part in the return of the flag ceremony before the Edinburgh Lord Provost, riders & spectators. This should take approx. 20 minutes before the ride moves off and the event concludes.
