The first Edinburgh Tartan Parade will be taking place on Saturday 10th May 2025. Inspired by the incredible NYC Tartan Parade, Edinburgh’s own parade will bring together pipe bands, tartans, musicians, and much more from all over the world. Up to 1,600 participants are expected to take part in this exciting new event.
The parade will be led by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh alongside a Grand Marshal and will kick off at The Royal Mile with a special opening by the Lord Provost. The parade will then move down Cockburn Street along to Waverley Bridge, through East Princes Street Gardens, and on to The Mound Precinct. Parade participants can continue the celebrations with a free ceilidh in the Gardens, complete with live music on the Princes Street Gardens stage.
The day doesn’t end there – in the evening, the Tartan Parade Celebration is taking place at the Usher Hall. The line-up includes Scottish acts like Rura, Red Hot Chilli Pipers, and Gail Porter, and tickets can be purchased on the Usher Hall website.
The parade has been causing a buzz in Edinburgh and the surrounding areas, with sponsors including Belhaven Brewery and LNER. If you don’t manage to secure a spot marching in the parade, you can still enjoy the atmosphere as a spectator. The parade kicks off at 1pm on the Royal Mile, so arriving early will guarantee a great view.
Immerse yourself in the Scottish culture with a trip to Waverley Market. Pick up tartan accessories like socks, headbands, or bow ties from Born in Scotland to complete your tartan outfit in time for marching in the parade, or spectators can pop in for a visit after the parade has passed over Waverley Bridge.
Take home traditional Scottish snacks from Edinburgh rock and Irn Bru to shortbread and Forth Coffee Roasters coffee beans. Whisky fans will love a visit to The Whisky Shop, home to over a thousand whisky bottles for every taste. With world-famous names like Macallan, Glenfiddich, and Johnnie Walker, there’s no better place to experience Scotland’s own produce.
If you’re looking for some refreshments after watching the parade or enjoying the ceilidh, Waverley Market is your next stop. Keep the Tartan Parade spirit going with a haggis topped baked potato from Fat Jackets, or browse the delicious pastries and sweet treats on the menu from Scottish locals Mòr Bakehouse.
Mòr Bakehouse pride themselves on using the best locally sourced produce, and their coffee is just as important as their ingredients. Their coffee is made using their own artisanal blend from Edinburgh Coffee Roasters, so you can enjoy the flavours of Scotland with your next iced latte or cosy cappuccino. Glasgow locals Tinderbox also serve coffee, milkshakes, and quick bites to eat.
Make sure to follow Waverley Market on Instagram and keep an eye on our What’s On page to stay up to date with the Edinburgh Tartan Parade as well as the latest offers and events around the area!