On Sunday 13 September 2026, Edinburgh’s famous Royal Mile will see 280 horses ride up it to celebrate the annual re-enactment of the ancient custom of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.
Led by Edinburgh’s Lord Provost, pipe bands and flag-bearers, this free to attend historic event attracts worldwide riders and is an incredible event to be part of it. Entertainment starts on the cobbled streets of the Royal Mile, with the arrival of the horses and riders shortly after.
The roots of the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches date back to the 16th century when Edinburgh had to work hard to protect its common land from attack by raiders. The ancient custom of inspecting the ‘burgh marches’ or ‘boundaries’ became a regular occurrence. Historical records from 1584 show that the ‘nichtbouris’ of Edinburgh were instructed to meet at the Lord Provost’s house and be ready to inspect the marches. Towns people who did not attend the event were fined! Rides were held on a regular basis between 1579 and 1718. No other ridings were carried out until 1946 when a special Riding of the Marches was held in Edinburgh to celebrate peace and the end of World War II.
Today’s modern-day event includes an epic 26 mile route which finishes in a grand cavalcade up Edinburgh’s most famous street, the Royal Mile.
There is also the opportunity for community groups to sign up for the People’s Procession. This spectacular conclusion to the day’s spectacle includes groups of people representing Edinburgh’s people drawn from community/civic organisations, and others, together with pipe bands, other bands and dancers, civic dignitaries and Edinburgh High Constables. The procession travels from Holyrood to St Giles’ Cathedral.
For more details, visit the Edinburgh Riding of the Marches.
