The date for the 2026 Introduction Evening will be released early 2026.
The 2025 introduction Evening took place on Friday 11th April.
Our first fundraising event of the year, the ‘Introduction Night’ is a traditional event when our newly elected Edinburgh Captain and Edinburgh Lass are introduced. These highly coveted roles are filled by elected candidates, who are presented with their titled Sashes, installing them in their roles as the City of Edinburgh’s Principals for the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.
The evening includes the Official Declaration by the Edinburgh Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, a buffet, disco and a fantastic raffle.
OUR 2025 EDINBURGH CAPTAIN & LASS
Congratulations to Adam Geehan and Kirsten Lees!
OUR 2025 EDINBURGH CAPTAIN & LASS
Adam Geehan
2025 Edinburgh Captain
24 year old Adam Geehan is a Lance Corporal with the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
Born and raised in Redditch, Worcestershire, Adam has served with his Regiment in Scotland for 3 years.
Adam rode briefly as a child, however after a very long time out of the saddle, in January 2024 he attended the Regimental Spurs course at Tower Farm Riding Stables and has since returned to riding.
His riding has gone from strength-to-strength (via the occasional mishap!), with the help of some true military grit, lessons at Tower Farm Riding Stables in Edinburgh and visits to his Mum’s old stables in Redditch.
Adam has brought laughter and determination in buckets to his role of Edinburgh Captain.
Kirsten Lees
2025 Edinburgh Lass
21 year old Kirsten has been riding since the age of four. Working part time at Tower Farm Riding Stables, she is also studying Politics at the Open University, with a view to working in the Criminal Justice system.
Since riding in her first Edinburgh Riding of the Marches aged eleven, Kirsten has dreamt of being selected for the role of Edinburgh Lass.
Kirsten’s family has been an incredible support crew, ensuring pristine white jodhpurs, transporting her to take part in the many Scottish Borders Common Ridings (as well as following on foot) and capturing the memories on camera.
A superb rider, who has carried out her role of Edinburgh Lass with commitment and grace, all whilst looking flawless!
Their roles as Captain and Lass will include volunteer and community work, representing Edinburgh at various civic events and at the Scottish Borders Common Riding Festivals and Events, charity fundraising and of course leading the cavalcade of horses up the Royal Mile at the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches on Sunday 14th September.
They have a very busy 2025 schedule they will be supported by the outgoing 2024 Principals, Robbie Houstoun and Kirsty Symon.
We wish them all the best for a fantastic year ahead!
OUR 2024 EDINBURGH CAPTAIN & LASS
Robbie Houstoun
2024 Edinburgh Captain
Robbie is a Captain in the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
“I feel so privileged to have been selected as the 2024 Edinburgh Captain and to represent my city in its 900th year as a royal burgh. I first rode in the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches in 2018 and have appreciated the support of Tower Farm Riding Stables who have kept me involved since then.”
“It has been an incredible journey and such an adventure to join the festivities in the various towns around the Borders and to learn about their traditions. It was such an honour to carry the City Banner up the Royal Mile and return it to the Lord Provost at the Mercat Cross. I will cherish the memory of doing so alongside this year’s Lass, Kirsty, forevermore. The support we received at all our events throughtout the year has been incredible and I am truly grateful to everyone who works together to made the special day a success.”
Kirsty Symon
2024 Edinburgh Lass
Kirsty is an Equine Hospital Groom at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies.
She has ridden since the age of 5, starting with riding lessons at Lasswade Riding Stables in Edinburgh. She now has her own horse ‘Eric’.
Kirsty and has taken part in Common Riding in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders for many years. “It was such an honour and privilege to be elected as 2024 Edinburgh Lass.”
“My first memory of riding Edinburgh was in 2015 and since then it has been a dream to lead the cavalcade up the Royal Mile.”
