Earlier this month, the Royal Company of Merchants participated in one of the most impressive events in Edinburgh’s annual calendar, the Riding of the Marches. The tradition of inspecting the common land of Edinburgh dates back as far as 1494, making it one of the oldest Common Ridings in Scotland. It fell out of practice in 1718, but was revived (and has happened annually) since 2009, with over 280 horses participating in a 26-mile journey that culminates in riding up the Royal Mile.
As part of the riding, our Lord Dean of Guild Alan Robertson and Treasurer Grant Macrae plus Court members marched alongside pipe bands, while Senior Company Officer Graham McDonald carried the Merchant Company banner in what can only be described as a spectacular show of Edinburgh’s history. Despite a surprise rain shower, spirits remained high throughout the ceremony, as can be seen from the pictures below.
[Pictured left to right] Grant Macrae, Maidie Cahill, Robert Armour,Richard Santandreu, Brian McGhee and Hamish Wilson participate in the Riding of the Marches
Senior Company Officer, Graham McDonald, displays the Merchant Company banner