After the success of the 2025 Edinburgh Tartan Parade, it was welcomed for the second year.
The route began at Edinburgh City Chambers on the Royal Mile at 1pm, weaving its way down Cockburn Street, continuing across Waverley Bridge, past the Scott Monument and culminating at the picturesque Mound Precinct. At the end of the parade, a Ceilidh was held in the Princes Street Gardens
Attendees enjoyed a dazzling display of Scottish colour, as well as lively performances from pipe bands and Highland dancers, with organisations and individuals all coming together to celebrate Edinburgh’s 900 years of history and heritage, as well as its inclusivity and diversity today. The vision has been to unite people in the appreciation of the beauty of tartan, both in Scotland and all around the world.
According to the Edinburgh Evening News;
Thousands of revellers lined the streets of Edinburgh on Saturday afternoon (May 9) as the second annual Edinburgh Tartan Parade took place.
Commonwealth long-distance champion runner Eilish McColgan was this year’ Grand Marshall, leading 2,500 people through the Old Town in a major celebration of Scottish culture.
Decked out in the finest tartan, participants ranged from bands and musicians to dancers and clans from across the country.
McColgan said: “It was a real honour to be Grand Marshal for the Tartan Parade. Scotland is such a huge part of who I am, so to represent that on a global stage like this felt very special. I think what drew me to it most was the chance to celebrate Scottish culture in a positive way and bring everyone together.
She added: “I’ve always had a real soft spot for tartan. It just instantly feels like home. Being abroad, traveling from country to country for over 11 months of the year makes me miss home a lot! I always try to race in a little bit of tartan to remind me of family and home. My nails, my shoes, my hairband or bobble! Something small but it means a lot to me.”
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge also took part in leading the huge parade down the Royal Mile and onto East Princes Street Gardens, with stars such as Grant Stott and Gail Porter also on hand to welcome participants along the route.
Lord Provost Robert Aldridge said: “It is a real honour and privilege, as Lord Provost, to support events that bring people together to celebrate our shared heritage, culture, and values. The Tartan Parade is a fantastic occasion that not only showcases our rich traditions, but also the strong spirit of inclusivity and community that make our city so special.”
Organisers of the volunteer-led event described the turnout for this year’s parade as “phenomenal”.
Tania Pramschufer, founder of Tartan Parade Scotland and World Fair Trade Tartan said: “The parade was a huge success last year and this year, it was even bigger.
“We were thrilled to see so many people come and take part in the parade. The turnout was phenomenal.”
“The parade is going to be an annual mainstay in Edinburgh’s cultural calendar and next year it’s going to be extended to a few days for a festival. That’s a dream come true for me.”
Once again, the splash of colour and the joyful demeanour that Carruthers brings to the affair was seen in full to the delight of thousands of spectators. Our Chief, Peter Carruthers of Holmains and his lovely wife madam Judith, paraded with the other Chiefs, under the banner of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs up front.
Our Convenor, Capt Michael Carruthers again led the family contingent, being one of the largest for any individual clan in the parade. He was further interviewed by BBC Scotland and was even seen flashing a hint of thigh to some older ladies en route, which caused a loud cheer. But that’s Michael, making friends, wherever he goes.
It has to be said, his immediate family are great supporters of our clan and should all be commended for the work they do. It is also Michael and his family who are doing the majority of work on their Annan dream home – the Reivers. This grand building will be used as a Reiver Heritage Centre and home for the Clan Carruthers Society (International, and for me, those who constantly work hard in the background to make us who we are, do not get enough credit for the work they do on our behalf.
Below is a montage of the day.
As well as Greg Carruthers the UK Convenor, Michael was accompanied by Susan, his wife, his daughters Karen and Amy her husband John and his granddaughters Skylar & Amber. Also his sisters Patrica with her husband Martin Somerset and Glynis and her husband David Shaw, all Michael’s immediate family.
Sadly, I was called away on business but this was a day that Carruthers again made their mark, with our tartan proudly displayed by both men and women of our family.
Next year we hope more of our name will attend in support of who and what we are.
Later this month, Michael will be kindly representing me at the two ‘Walking of the Marches’ events in Stirling, and then bearing my banner at a special event we shall both attend in July at Hunterston convened by Madam Pauline Hunter of Hunterston, Chief of Hunter. At the end of August, we shall once again be at the Annan History Festival; I hope to see you there.
Michael will also be representing us at the signing of the Book of Friendship, organised by Clan Hunter along with our chief. Further, Michael will represent the clan at two further important events in Stirling over the coming weeks. A Convenor’s work is never done it seems, and I obviously missed a great day, with great people much to my regret.
We are hoping by the time of the 2027 parade, that Michael will have his own personal banner to fly. He is in a process of petitioning for arms and will, if after full analysis of his proofs by the Lord Lyon, become the latest armiger of our clan.
Once again, Congratulations and a huge personal thank you to all who attended on our behalf.
A thank you message from the Chief.
Dear Michael, Greg, and Carruthers family,
This is to express my appreciation and gratitude for your part in making last Saturday’s Tartan Parade such a memorable and magnificent event. As last year, but even more so this year, the Carruthers made a big impact, not least as the only clan to process in numbers as a distinct cohort with banner and flags. As ever, the Carruthers tartan provided a big splash of colour (helping make up for those groups that seem almost devoid of any tartan at all). Congratulations.
I am sorry I was somewhat absent from the Clan contingent. Charles Bruce, convenor of the Standing Council of Scottish Chiefs (SCSC), was very keen that the chiefs parade as a distinct group behind the SCSC banner, and then gather for lunch after. The latter went on rather longer than expected. The Carruthers presence as a distinct and substantial group, our tartan (and the dogs) were noted with great approval, and the view expressed that the chiefs and clans should have processed together. Next year, the SCSC will press for the chiefs and clans to be together at the front the procession (along with the Lyon Court), helping to make the event first and foremost about tartan and Scottish culture! Hopefully, both chiefs and clan societies will take greater interest and attend in greater numbers next year.
Special thanks are due to Michael for convening the Carruthers contingent, and for leading such as orderly and colourful procession – as the videos reveal! And thanks again to all who attended on what I trust was a very enjoyable day.
Thanks again,
Yours aye,
Peter.
Parade List as below
