Edinburgh Riding of the Marches on Sunday 16th September

This Sunday sees the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches. Over 20,000 spectators from Scotland and around the world are expected to view the event. The annual tradition dates back to 1579 and commemorates Randolph Murray’s return with the ancient Blue Blanket and the tragic news of the defeat of the Scottish Army at the Battle of Flodden on 9 September 1513.

Some 300 horse riders will take part in the event on Sunday morning 16th September 2018. They will ride around the boundaries of Edinburgh, before parading up the Royal Mile led by pipes and drums. This year’s event will also mark the centenary of the end of the First World War (28 July 1914 to 11 November 1918). The procession is due to end at the Mercat Cross, where there is a flag ceremony and a minute’s silence to remember the dead of Flodden and all wars. 

There will also be an emphasis on remembering the service of horses to Scottish regiments during the 1914-1918 conflict. It was not only humans that suffered in this tragic man made war. During the First World War, horses, mules and donkeys were requisitioned from civilians in all parts of Europe. Many suffered horrific deaths from wounds, thirst, starvation, disease, exposure and exhaustion. Eight million horses and countless mules and donkeys were used by all sides and died in the First World War. 

Information on the event can be seen on Edinburgh Riding of the the Marches webpage, as well as some recommended vantage points for spectators.