The Edinburgh March Riding Association is honoured to have support from The Rt. Hon Robert Aldridge, Lord Lieutenant and 258th Lord Provost of Edinburgh, who plays a key role in the event day proceedings, including leading the Cavalcade, hosting a Civic Reception and presiding over an exclusive ‘Claret Toast’ Ceremony in his Private Chambers to which VIP guests and sponsors are invited.
The first record of a Riding Of The Marches in Edinburgh was on All Hallows (Halloween), 31st October 1579. On this date, a group of towns’ people gathered at the Provost’s house at 11am, from where they embarked on an inspection of the Marches of the Common Land led by the Captain of the Trained Band (Town Guard), Provost, Baillies and Burgesses. “Intimatioun” (intimation) of the event was given to the “nichtbouris” (towns people) and anyone who regularly made use of the Common Land, possessed a horse and failed to take part in the inspection was liable to be fined. The following extract was taken from the Edinburgh Town Council minutes, 30th October 1579:
“….the Counsall ordains proclamatioun to be maid chairging all merchantis craftismen and utheris inhabitantis within this burgh to be in radynes the morn be xi houris to accompany the provest the baillies and counsall to vesy (examine/inspect) thair methis (boundary markers) and bounds as ordour hes bene on horsback and to proclame thair Allhallowes fair to begyn the morn be xii houris”
The 4 Lord Provosts who have been in position since the inception of The Edinburgh March Riding Association Ltd (‘EMRA Ltd’) have all been hugely influential in supporting the development of the event. George Grubb, Donald Wilson, Frank Ross and Robert Aldridge are all from different political backgrounds and have very different approaches, however all three maintained serious dedication to the cause. Sadly George Grubb passed away in 2018, however his memory will live on in all the elected Lord Provosts. Special mention also goes to Norma Cuthbertson and all the Lord Provost’s staff who have worked with us over the years.
“This year, on Sund ay 13th September, the spirit of connection and community comes alive once again through the Riding of the Marches – a powerful celebration of a centuries-old custom. For generations, citizens of Edinburgh would patrol the city’s boundaries on horseback, protecting the common land. Rooted in the 16th century, that custom has evolved into a vibrant public occasion that brings together history, ceremony and the people of Edinburgh.
This year, the People’s Procession will once again see communities and organisations from across Edinburgh march side by side, reflecting the breadth, diversity and character of our city. With pipe bands, street entertainment and a stirring civic ceremony at the Mercat Cross, the day will be filled with colour, energy and a real sense of celebration.
It is a tremendous honour to take part in the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches once again, and particularly meaningful for me as this will be my final mounted role in the event as Lord Provost.
As we gather today, we can celebrate the remarkable history that has shaped Edinburgh, while also looking ahead to the future we are building together. We can take pride in where we have come from, confidence in where we are going, and hope for all that lies ahead.
With pride in our past and optimism for our future, the journey of our great city continues – together, as we make Edinburgh”.
Robert Aldridge
(Photo above: The Rt. Hon Robert Aldridge, Lord Lieutenant and 258th Lord Provost of Edinburgh with Lord Provost’s Consort Dr. Colin Cunningham. Credit: Alan Wilson)
