City of Edinburgh Lord Provost Robert Aldridge reflects on Edinburgh 900 and counts down to Riding of the Marches in today's Edinburgh Evening News.
As our Edinburgh 900 celebrations draw to a close, the city is preparing for one of its most spectacular events, the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches taking place on Sunday 14 September. This much-loved tradition will serve as the closing highlight of a year-long celebration of Edinburgh’s rich heritage, civic pride, and cultural diversity.
Since last summer, people from across the city have been come together to mark this milestone anniversary of the city. From exhibitions and performances to walking tours, talks and local festivals, Edinburgh 900 has honoured the city’s past while looking confidently to its future. We’ve had an amazing year celebrating the people, history and heritage of our amazing city, with over 200 registered events run by almost 100 organisations and community groups. At the heart of it all has been the spirit of connection, between generations, neighbourhoods, and the many voices that make Edinburgh the vibrant and diverse city that it is today.
Next weekend that spirit of connection comes alive again through the Riding of the Marches which is a powerful reenactment of a centuries-old custom, where horse riders would patrol the city’s boundaries to protect common land. Rooted in the 16th century, this tradition has evolved into a vibrant public spectacle what blends history, ceremony, and community spirit.
On 14th September, hundreds of riders will gallop through the capital’s streets, cheered on by thousands of spectators. It promises to be the most inclusive yet as the People’s Procession will see members from communities and organisations from every corner of the city march side-by-side side representing the full breadth and diversity of Edinburgh’s population.
With pipe bands, street entertainment, and a stirring civic ceremony at the Mercat Cross I’m sure the day will be filled with colour and energy and will be a fitting finale to the Edinburgh 900 celebrations.
Of course, there is still time to dive deeper into the city’s incredible story. The exhibition Edinburgh’s First Burghers: Revealing the Lives and Hidden Faces of Edinburgh's Medieval Citizens at St Giles’ Cathedral runs until 30 of November, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Edinburgh’s earliest citizens. Using new scientific research, the exhibition brings to life the stories of medieval residents buried within the grounds of the Cathedral revealing what they ate, how they lived and where they came from.
Online, our Museums & Galleries, Libraries and Archives services have come together to create a digital exhibition spanning 900 years of Edinburgh’s history. From Greyfriars Bobby’s collar to the National Covenant, it’s a treasure trove of objects, artworks and stories to be explored.
Edinburgh 900 was about discovering our past, celebrating our present and strengthening our future. It’s been a pleasure to reflect on a remarkable year, during which I had the privilege of meeting so many inspiring projects and community groups who brought the celebrations to life.
It is a tremendous honour for me to be part of the Riding of the Marches. As we all gather to next week, we can also take a moment to reflect on where Edinburgh has come from and where it is going. With pride in our past and hope for our future, the journey of our great city continues.