‘The Voice of the Tattoo’, Alasdair Hutton OBE, TD, writer and narrator of events (including the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo), has commentated the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches on the Royal Mile since its modern-day revival in 2009, having created the entire script for the event’s proceedings on the famous cobbled street.
As well as having been a BBC announcer, Alasdair also has a total of 35 years in the military, 22 in the Parachute Regiment TA, 10 in the Central Volunteer Headquarters and three as an Honorary Colonel in the Lothian and Borders Army Cadet Force.
Alasdair retired as commentator in 2022 and we are indebted to his dedication and contribution to the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.
Stuart McFarlane, founder of Borders Rugby TV, Scotland’s rugby reporter for Talksport, BBC Sports commentator and regular voice of Radio Borders and who has co-commentated with Alasdair Hutton for the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches for many years, takes up the reins as sole commentator for 2023.
Stuart’s knowledge of the history of Common Riding and Riding of Marches in Scotland is extensive and his passion and commitment to helping keep the stories and traditions alive is palpable.