
Hundreds march in colourful costumes for Edinburgh's first Tartan Parade
Edinburgh hosted its first Tartan Parade on Saturday, with hundreds marching through the city to the sounds of swirling pipes and drums.
Inspired by New York's famous Tartan Week, around 1,600 participants set off from the City Chambers in colourful costumes.
They were led by TV star Gail Porter and Kyle Dawson, president of New York's Tartan Week, who began the march when the One O'Clock Gun sounded.
Pipe bands from around the world and Highland dance troupes performed for the crowds as the parade made its way to Princes Street Gardens.
Performers included Chinese lion and dragon dancers and Viking 'jarl squads' from Shetland. PA Media Viking 'jarl squads' from Shetland took part (Jane Barlow/PA) PA Media
In the afternoon, a ceilidh took place at the Ross Bandstand.
Lord provost Robert Aldridge welcomed marchers from the top of the Mercat Cross in the Royal Mile, as the city enjoyed a day of warm, sunny weather.
He said: 'It's absolutely fantastic to see so many people gathered here on the Mile.
'What better way to celebrate the 900-year anniversary of our city than with the first Edinburgh Tartan Day Parade with the sun shining down on us.'
New York hosts an annual parade as part of its Tartan Day celebrations, with Scottish pipe bands marching up Sixth Avenue.
The inaugural Edinburgh parade was designed to 'celebrate the Scottish culture, foster community engagement, and commemorate Edinburgh's significant 900th anniversary as a city'.
It is hoped it will become an annual event.
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