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 3 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 and Frank Ross 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.
“Much more than a colourful re-enactment of an ancient tradition, the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches is about appreciating the history of the city we live in and celebrating being a citizen of Scotland’s great Capital City.
“Inspecting the borders of the common land and reporting that the citizens are in ‘good heart’ is an ancient tradition dating back at least as far as 1579.
On Sunday 14th September the city will step back in time to re-enact the inspection. High Constables in their traditional dress and the City Guard complete with muskets will pass by. There will be 280 horses led by the Captain and Lass. It’s going to be quite a sight!
“The event is held by Edinburgh citizens for Edinburgh citizens and since being re-introduced in 2009 by the Edinburgh March Riding Association, it really has gone from strength to strength. I look forward to supporting not only the tradition, but the local excitement of the day.”
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)
