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Edinburgh Riding of the Marches
Ian's Riding Success
Sunday was a very special day for Edinburgh, when the
city and thousands of its visitors were treated to the Riding of its
Marches.
The event culminated in a spectacular cavalcade of 250 horses and riders supporting the Marches Principal, Edinburgh Captain for 2009, Ian Douglas from Lanark.
Principals from other towns from all over Scotland came to support Ian on his special day. More than 30 Scottish towns - including Lanark and Biggar - were present to witness the rebirth of an ancient tradition which last occurred back in 1946 and before that in April 1718!
The idea to restore the custom of Riding the Marches cam from Ian who is a keen rider and support of Common Rides.
He called a meeting in the Cross Keys in Biggar in 2007 and by August 2008 enough interest had been generated to convince the City Council the idea was a good one.
On August 31 2008 a small group of riders joined Ian and Lothian and Borders Police to have a secret trial run.
This was a success and the idea became a firm commitment for the end of the Festival 2009.
The decision by the council to choose Ian to be the new Captain of Edinburgh was a great and fitting tribute to his drive and enthusiasm.
The ride out saw Ian and his deputies, followed by 250 horses, ride from the Pentland Hills, via Holyrood Park and the Parliament, to Mercet Cross in the Royal Mile.
There the Lord Provost of Edinburgh George Grubb installed Ian in front of around 10,000 people who filled the Royal Mile to witness history in the making.
Enjoying the special moment were Ian's wife, brother Rab, and his parents Joy and Bob, who was honoured in Biggar in 1976 when he was installed as the Warden, now the forerunner of the Biggar Cornet.
After three rousing Cheers the cavalcade moved off to King Stables Road where the horses were boxed.
A large number of Lanark ex-Cornets were among those supporting Ian, including ex Lord Cornet Lex Gibson.
He said; "I've always wanted to ride up the Royal Mile on horseback! Now I can say I've done it!"
Ian remains the Captain till September next year.
Leonard Gray
Lanark Gazette
Thursday 10th September 2009
Photographs from Paul Archibald
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