Tartan Parade Scotland is delighted with the response for the inaugural Edinburgh Tartan Parade, that took place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, in the heart of Edinburgh. This exciting event brought together tartans, pipe bands, dancers, musicians, organisations, and individuals from Edinburgh, as well as across Scotland, and beyond - to celebrate the country's rich heritage, tartans, culture and inclusivity.
The inspiration for the Edinburgh Tartan Parade stems from the successful NYC Tartan Day Parade and the ongoing collaboration between Tartan Parade Scotland and Kyle Dawson, the President of the NYC Tartan Day Parade - the Grand Marshal of this very first Parade.
Tania Pramschufer, the director of Hand Up Events, founder of Tartan Parade Scotland (and World Fair Trade Tartan), has brought together a dedicated volunteer team to bring this new and exciting event to Edinburgh! While supported by Hand Up Events, Edinburgh Tartan Parade is a stand-alone event, independently organised and run by the dedicated team of volunteers.
The route for the Edinburgh Tartan Parade began at the iconic Royal Mile, weaving its way down Cockburn Street, continuing to Waverley Bridge, and culminating at the picturesque Mound Precinct. Attendees enjoyed a dazzling display of clan tartans, 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 Edinburgh Tartan Parade proudly celebrated Edinburgh's culture, community engagement, while commemorating Edinburgh's significant 900th anniversary as a city. Our vision has been to unite people in the appreciation of the beauty of tartan, both in Scotland and all around the world.
Say HELLO to our vibrant Tartan Parade Scotland team hello@tartanparade.scot - email us if you have any enquiries, or if you would like to connect up with us!
Tartan Parade Scotland is a stand-alone voluntary group composed of enthusiastic and like-minded individuals, from different backgrounds, including in event organisation, teaching, human resources, finance, media, and communication, while bound together by our shared passion for tartan and Scottish heritage.
We are developing this very meaningful and exiting celebration event over the next years to continue to bring together our diverse community, share a very positive and enriching experience - so to be enjoyed by locals, visitors, and tourists.
A huge thanks goes to all the participants, their families and friends, spectators, marshals, volunteers, suppliers, and everyone who offered their support - this event wouldn’t have been possible without you!
Thank you also to Hand Up Events, as well as LNER and Belhaven for the sponsorship, as well as CREXCELL for event support.
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers took the stage for one unforgettable night, setting it on fire with their unique ‘bag rock’ – a fusion of bagpipes and rock, featuring everything from ‘Flower of Scotland’ to Coldplay and AC/DC! With a global fanbase and sold-out shows worldwide, this high-energy band delivered an electrifying performance. Joining them were RURA, one of Scotland’s most acclaimed folk bands, with their fiery, progressive instrumentals and spellbinding live performance.
The event was hosted by the incredibly talented Gail Porter, an ambassador for mental health, homelessness, and fair trade.
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