Tag: St Giles Cathedral

RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate in a Harvest Thanksgiving service

Picutred: Neil Thompson, RHASS Director and Rev Dr Scott Rennie





RHASS and Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral come together to celebrate the extraordinary efforts of Scotland’s farmers in a Harvest Thanksgiving service

A John Deere tractor and a seed drill took centre stage outside of Edinburgh’s St Giles’ Cathedral yesterday (5th October) as the exceptional efforts and hard work of Scotland’s farming community were recognised in a Harvest Thanksgiving service in partnership with RHASS (the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland).

Conducted by Rev Dr Scott Rennie, the service celebrated the tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, while acknowledging the ever-changing weather conditions farmers across the country have faced ahead of this year’s harvest.

Displays of seasonal vegetables, including broccoli, pumpkins, potatoes, parsnips and carrots were donated by RHASS Directors for the service from farms across the country to shine a light on the array of local produce grown in Scotland.

RHET (the Royal Highland Education Trust) also supported the Harvest Thanksgiving celebrations by creating a display inside the cathedral.

Their exhibit drew on educational resources used in schools to highlight what’s in season, Scottish crops, images of harvesting through the ages, examples of school growing projects, and a seasonal calendar.

This provided visitors with a chance to reflect on Scotland’s food harvest and the work of farmers, while showcasing RHET’s role in connecting young people with food and farming.

The produce on display during the service has since been donated to Edinburgh charities, Empty Kitchens Full Hearts, the Grassmarket Community Project and the Salvation Army Hostel, to be made into meals for those in the city who are in need.



RHASS Chairman, James Logan, said: “At RHASS, we’re proud to stand side by side Scotland’s rural community all year round and the harvest season provides us with an opportunity to take stock and show our incredible gratitude towards those farmers working day and night to help feed our nation.

“This year has brought more unpredictable weather and following a dry spring harvest experiences can vary widely for each farmer. Everyone involved in farming and rural life plays a vital role in producing our food, and they all deserve recognition and thanks. Sunday’s service provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate these efforts, and we are grateful to all who joined us and shared produce in support of local causes.”

Speaking on the Harvest Thanksgiving service, Katrina Barclay, Executive Officer at RHET, commented: “As an education charity, it’s an honour for RHET to be asked by the team at St Giles to be part of this celebration of harvest and to share some of the learning information we create for teachers all about food and farming in Scotland.”

Catherine Jones, Social Enterprise Director, said: “We are truly thankful for this incredible donation of fresh vegetables again this year.

“Every week, we support more than 230 vulnerable adults who often struggle to access healthy and nutritious meals. Food poverty continues to be a serious issue across our communities, and contributions like this make a real difference to those most affected.

“We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to St Giles’ Cathedral for their ongoing support, and to RHASS and the dedicated farmers whose hard work has made this gift possible.”

Rev Dr Scott Rennie, Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “In this time when we are more than ever aware of our need of local food production and the vital role that Scottish farmers in bringing the food we need to our tables, we are delighted to partner with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland.

“There is a particular poignancy to celebrating the Harvest in the heart of Scotland’s capital city, a city filled with tables set for visitors and residents alike.  We are reminded of where our food comes from, and the labour in its production.  For all this, and more, we give thanks to God.

“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of all of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.”

For further information about the work of RHASS, visit: rhass.org.uk

Memorial service for Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer

The life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most esteemed academics and humanitarians will be honoured at a memorial service in Edinburgh next month.

Professor Emeritus Sir Geoff Palmer KT OBE, who died in June at the age of 85, was Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, a pioneering scientist whose research transformed the global brewing industry, and a tireless campaigner for equality and justice.

Family, friends, colleagues, dignitaries and members of the public will gather at the city’s historic St Giles’ Cathedral to pay tribute to his extraordinary life and contributions.

The service will feature personal tributes, speeches, and musical performances from the University’s Chamber Choir and guest musicians.

Open to all, the ceremony will take place on Friday 11 October from 11am to 12:30pm, with doors opening at 10am. Those who wish to attend are advised to register their interest in advance.

Reflecting on Sir Geoff’s impact, Professor Richard A. Williams, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University, said: “Sir Geoff was an inspiration not just to me but to colleagues past and present, and countless students around the world.

“His infectious enthusiasm and passion for education were impossible to ignore, and this University was all the richer for having such a strong association with him over the years.”

The service is being hosted jointly by Heriot-Watt University and the City of Edinburgh Council, represented by the Rt Hon Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of the City of Edinburgh.

In a lasting tribute to Sir Geoff, the University has created a new scholarship in his honour. The Sir Geoff Palmer Memorial Scholarship will allow a student of Jamaican descent or citizenship to for follow in his footsteps and reflects Sir Geoff’s dedication to opportunity, inclusion, and the belief that every student deserves the chance to thrive.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed  live on YouTube. 

TONIGHT: An evening of music inspired by the work of John Bellany

Musical performance by Steph Legg and ensemble at St Giles’ Cathedral

TONIGHT, audiences are invited to experience the life and work of one of Scotland’s most important painters through an entirely new medium: music.

On Thursday 28 August, which marks the anniversary of John Bellany’s death, saxophonist and composer Steph Legg will perform her debut album, Bellany, in the stunning surrounds of St Giles’ Cathedral.

A deeply personal and imaginative project, Bellany transforms the painter’s bold, autobiographical vision into a rich, genre-blending soundscape.

Steph was first captivated by Bellany’s work as a child after encountering his 1995 painting The Skate and the Kate. That moment sparked a lifelong fascination with his vivid imagery, religious symbolism, and deep reflections on Scottish identity, all of which find voice in this moving musical tribute.

Performed by a dynamic ensemble featuring:

  • Steph Legg (saxophone and voice)
  • Julia Hart (violin)
  • Cameron Smith (cello)
  • Erin Sawicka (piano)

The performance leads audiences through a folk inspired chasm into the centre of Bellany’s world, exploring the social and religious themes of his work and visiting key people, places and events which shaped him.

The ensemble paint their own portraits of this complex character and as the final chords fade out, the fragments of Bellany interfuse to reveal his extraordinary life.

This special event coincides with the City Art Centre’s major exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture, on display nearby until 28 September.

The exhibition features over 80 works spanning Bellany’s remarkable career. The performance is accompanied by the installation of Bellany’s 1965 work Box Meeting which is on show in St. Giles’ until end of September.

Culture and Communities Convener Cllr Margaret Graham said: “Steph Legg’s Bellany is a powerful and deeply original response to the life and legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated artists.

“Her music captures the same emotional intensity and storytelling spirit that define Bellany’s works. We’re thrilled to see this performance complement our current exhibition, John Bellany: A Life in Self-Portraiture and offering audiences a rare opportunity to experience his work in both sight and sound.

Edinburgh 900 exhibition reveals the hidden lives of the first ‘Edinburghers’

Visitors to St Giles’ Cathedral will come face-to-face with those of the first ‘Edinburghers’ in a new exhibition as part of Edinburgh 900 celebrations.

Opening to the public on Friday 6 June, Edinburgh’s First Burghers: Revealing the Lives and Hidden Faces of Edinburgh’s Medieval Citizens, delves into the fascinating work carried out by experts from the Francis Crick Institute (London), University of Aberdeen, University of Dundee and the City of Edinburgh Council.

Marking the joint 900th anniversaries of both Edinburgh and St Giles’ Cathedral, this extraordinary exhibition presents the results of new scientific research into the medieval citizens buried within the grounds of the Cathedral.

Originally excavated in 1981, these remains have undergone new detailed analysis using advanced methods including ancient DNA sequencing, isotopic analysis, radiocarbon dating, and forensic facial reconstruction.

This collaborative project offers a compelling look at the lives, diets, health, origins, and identities of Edinburgh’s earliest residents.

The exhibition will feature:

  • Facial reconstructions of five individuals by Maria Maclennan, projected throughout the Cathedral using immersive lighting designs by artist Mettje Hunneman.
  • A specially commissioned short documentary by Cinetopia, featuring interviews with the research team and members of the Cathedral community.
  • A focus on three key burial groups – individuals from the birth of the burgh and foundation of the Cathedral in the 12th century, two 15th-century male pilgrims and eight women buried inside the Chapel of Our Lady between the 15th and 16th centuries.

Lord Provost Robert Aldridge, said: “This exhibition invites visitors to travel back through nine centuries of Edinburgh’s history, to meet the earliest people who called this city home. Thanks to scientific research and creative collaboration, we are able to share new insights into their lives, origins, health, and identities and, to actually see their faces once again.

“Edinburgh 900 is a year-long celebration of our city’s rich history, culture, and bright future. This exhibition brings the faces of our very first residents to life for our audiences of today. My thanks to our partners, scientists, artists, and all those whose contributions have brought this exhibition to life.”

City of Edinburgh Council Archaeologist John Lawson added: “This has been a fascinating project that brings together new archaeological science and the creative arts to tell the story of Edinburgh’s first residents in an imaginative and exciting way.

“Visitors to the exhibition will come face-to-face with the first inhabitants of the city, ordinary individuals who lived through extraordinary chapters of history. While we are accustomed to the tales of the famous and powerful, this project shifts the spotlight to the everyday citizens, telling their stories in the very place they once walked, worshipped, and were laid to rest.

“To honour their lives in such a meaningful location has been a rare and powerful opportunity. It’s been an immensely rewarding partnership to be part of, and I’m grateful to the church, talented specialists and the artists whose hard work and dedication have have helped to tell these stories.”

Sarah Phemister, Head of Heritage and Culture, St Giles’ Cathedral, said: “This exhibition is a celebration of the remarkable talent, collaboration, and creativity of the scientists and artists who have breathed life into the faces of the past.

“Their work connects us across centuries, reminding us that St Giles’ has always been a place where history, innovation, and human stories have met at the very heart of Edinburgh.”

Free and open to the public from 6 June to 30 November 2025, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the Cathedral’s medieval past in a new way—bringing faces and stories from Edinburgh’s early history to life.

Maria Maclennan, Senior Lecturer School of Design, Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) The University of Edinburgh, said: “It has been an enormous privilege to contribute to such a fascinating and interdisciplinary project, which adopted a truly interdisciplinary approach requiring collaboration on the part of many.

“Each craniofacial approximation involved the marriage of archaeological evidence together with myriad scientific analyses undertaken by the research team, to help inform final facial appearance: forensic anthropology, radiocarbon dating, isotopic signature, DNA profiling, and forensic-artistic techniques.

“Craniofacial Approximation is a hybrid sci-art practice dedicated to restoring the face of an unknown individual from their skeletal remains. In archaeological contexts, as is seen here in St. Giles’ Cathedral, the practice is often an important means of restoring visibility, identity, and humanity to those long lost or forgotten, and/or in promoting education and encouraging public engagement with historical figures of interest from the past.

“For each reconstruction, I produced both a more ‘neutral’ face (depicting how the individual may present in contemporary day Edinburgh), in addition to a ‘historical’ face, depicting the individual dressed in clothing/artefacts typical of the time in which they lived.”

Dr Tobias Houlton, Lecturer in Craniofacial Identification and Forensic Imaging at University of Dundee, said: “This exhibition marks a significant milestone in the longstanding partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council Archaeology Service (CECAS) and the University of Dundee.

“While this particular project has been a year in the making, it builds on many years of collaboration and graduate involvement from the Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification (CAHID). It provides a unique opportunity for CAHID graduates to further develop their expertise in facial identification while contributing to meaningful research in partnership with CECAS.

“The exhibition showcases the powerful synergy between science and art in restoring the faces of Edinburgh’s earliest citizens and enriching our understanding of the city’s medieval past.”

This project has been made possible with support from Historic Environment Scotland, and all partner organisations.

Alan Partridge fans: We Need YOU!

Flashmob participants needed!

If you are a fan of Alan Partridge – or, rather, if you are a fan of his long-suffering and put-upon assistant Lynn Benfield, do we have a job for you! 

This weekend, on Sunday 4th of August, at 12pm, playwright Laura Horton is calling out for people to be part of a mass group photoshoot of Lynns on the Royal Mile. 

At 12pm (lunchtime), join Laura Horton, author of new Fringe play ‘Lynn Faces’, and wear a mask of Lynn’s iconic “fed-up face”, for a photo op. 

Up to 300 Lynns will smile (or rather grimace) for the camera, and the mass Lynn-army will then become a flashmob who will collectively stride the streets for a short lap chanting “Liberate Lynn.”

Anyone willing to don the face of the iconic Lynn Benfield is asked to meet Laura outside St Giles Cathedral at 12pm on Sunday 4th. On the right of the entrance to the Cathedral (as you face it from the Royal Mile). For the specific location, you can find it at this google maps link.

Lynn Faces will be performed at Summerhall, in the main hall from 1-26th August.

Lynn Faces

Combine harvester takes to Royal Mile to celebrate Scottish farmers

A Harvest Thanksgiving service, organised by the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland (RHASS,) took place on Sunday 1st October at St Giles Cathedral to give thanks for an abundant harvest, raise awareness about the importance of Scottish agriculture and pay tribute to the hardworking farmers who make it all possible.

Seasonal fruits and vegetables were also on display, generously provided by local farmers from East and West Lothian, and were donated to charities including The Salvation Army, Cyrenians and Social Bite. The combine and tractor were provided by RHASS Director Bill Gray of Prestonhall Farm.

The Harvest Thanksgiving was led by Rev Sigrid Marten, Associate Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral. 

She said: “We are very excited that we have been able to work closely together with the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland to highlight the vital role that Scottish farmers play in providing great quality food. 

“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food.”  

For further information about the work of RHASS, visit rhass.org.uk  

Harvest Thanksgiving for Scotland’s farmers at St Giles Cathedral today

The Royal Highland & Agriculture Society of Scotland (RHASS) will host an inaugural Harvest Thanksgiving today (Sunday 1st October) at the historic St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh. This extraordinary event will honour the hard work of Scottish farmers and primary food producers, whilst highlighting the need to reduce food waste. 

From 11am to 12pm, the free-to-attend Harvest Thanksgiving event will bring the countryside right into the heart of Edinburgh with a tractor and combine harvester on proud display in Parliament Square beside the Cathedral. 

The event will feature a display of ‘wonky’ seasonal fruits and vegetables, typically rejected by supermarkets, to create a vibrant display. The produce will be generously donated by local farmers from East and West Lothian, and afterwards it will be donated to charities including The Salvation Army, Cyrenians and Social Bite. 

Open to everyone, the Harvest Thanksgiving will feature a heartwarming Sunday all and no-faith service with readings by former RHASS Chaplain Angus Morrison.  

The featured tractors are kindly provided by RHASS Director, Bill Gray MBE.  

RHASS Chairman, Jim Warnock, commented: “Our first Harvest Thanksgiving celebration will celebrate the resilience and tireless efforts of Scotland’s farming community, all while supporting great charities.

“RHASS champions rural Scotland and all those who work in it, and at this time of year they are under huge pressure. Join us at St Giles Cathedral this Sunday to show our appreciation for those who put food on our tables.” 

The Harvest Thanksgiving service will be led by Rev Sigrid Marten, Associate Minister of St Giles’ Cathedral. She said: “We are very excited that we have been able to work closely together with the Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland to draw the attention of passers-by, not only to our Harvest Thanksgiving Service on Sunday which they are welcome to join, but also to highlight the vital role that Scottish farmers play in providing great quality food. 

“Bringing farming equipment to the Royal Mile is one way to remind us of our dependence on those who work hard to produce our food. 

“We are also very grateful to local farmers for all the donations of vegetables that will be used to decorate the sanctuary of St Giles’ Cathedral for Harvest Sunday which will be later given to people most in need.” 

For further information about the work of RHASS, visit rhass.org.uk 

City centre grinds to a halt as Scotland marks Royal Coronation

National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla with a series of events in Edinburgh today.

The King, accompanied by The Queen, will be presented with the Honours of Scotland – Scotland’s crown jewels – at a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral.

The service will be preceded by a ‘People’s Procession’ of 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, which will travel from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, and the Royal Procession, which will travel to the Cathedral from the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Public opportunities will be available along the Royal Mile to view the procession, and the accompanying military bands and escorts.

The St Giles’ Service will be followed by a 21-Gun Salute fired from Edinburgh Castle and a flypast down the Royal Mile by the RAF Red Arrows.



The First Minister, Humza Yousaf, who is a republican, said: “Scotland will mark the visit of The King and Queen this week with a series of events to celebrate the Coronation, and I’m looking forward to representing the people of Scotland at today’s historic service at St Giles’ Cathedral.

“Those who wish to be involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage of the proceedings, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited and a number of roads in the area will be closed, so I strongly encourage anyone attending to arrive early, use public transport if possible, and come prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”

Lord Lieutenant Robert Aldridge said: “The eyes of the world will be upon us once again as we mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla. I’m quite sure it will be another proud day for the Capital.

“Given the scale and significance of these ceremonial events, we have to be prepared for disruption across the city, but particularly in the Old Town. We’re working with our partners to manage this as best we can and to keep residents, businesses and visitors updated on the events.

“For those who wish to enjoy the Royal and People’s Processions, I urge you to please plan ahead and keep an eye on our website and social media channels for the latest advice and guidance.”

For the most up-to-date information, visit:

City Council’s dedicated webpages, 

www.gov.scot and 

www.royal.uk.

The @edintravel traffic information team will be monitoring the city’s roads, sharing the latest information on disruption and diversions on Twitter.

See also Lothian Buses and Edinburgh Trams.

Whoopy Do! King and Queen are coming to Edinburgh

Viewing opportunities for the public at city centre events

Public viewing areas will be available along the Royal Mile in Edinburgh as part of events to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla on Wednesday 5 July.

Events will begin around lunchtime and will include:

  • a People’s Procession, involving around 100 people representing different aspects of Scottish life, walking on foot from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral, accompanied by a military escort and cadet force bands
  • the Honours of Scotland escorted from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland (the Royal Company of Archers) and a Tri-Service Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force with a military band and pipes and drums
  • military pipe and drums, bands, and members of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment processing along the Royal Mile from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral
  • a Royal Procession from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to St Giles’ Cathedral, attended by The King and Queen and The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay
  • a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication at St Giles’ Cathedral and presentation of the Honours of Scotland to The King. The Stone of Destiny will also form part of the ceremony
  • a 21 Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse
  • a flypast by the Red Arrows (in the direction of Edinburgh Castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse)

There will be pavement space along the Royal Mile for people who wish to watch events in person. Those intending to come are advised to arrive early and prepare for changeable weather conditions.

Traffic restrictions and temporary road closures will be in place around the Royal Mile on the day of the events.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Next week Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen with a series of events to mark their Coronation. Highlights include a People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, and a Gun Salute in Edinburgh.

“Many different people, charities and organisations from across the country will be involved. I will attend the Service at St Giles’ Cathedral and I look forward to representing the people of Scotland at this historic event.

“Any members of the public who wish to get involved will be able to follow TV or radio coverage, or view events in person along the Royal Mile. Space will be limited so those planning to come should arrive early and be prepared for whatever the weather may hold.”

King and Queen visit to Edinburgh July 2023: events – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Timings:

1315   People’s Procession departs Edinburgh Castle Esplanade

1330   People’s Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1340   The Honours of Scotland leave Edinburgh Castle Esplanade under military escort

1340   Military pipe and drums bands and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment move from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to West Parliament Square

1350   The Honours of Scotland arrive at West Parliament Square by vehicle

1405   Royal Procession leaves the Palace of Holyroodhouse 

1410   Royal Procession arrives at St Giles’ Cathedral

1415   National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication begins

1515   Service ends

1520   The King and Queen exit St Giles’ to Gun Salute from Edinburgh Castle

1527   Royal party arrive at Palace of Holyroodhouse

1540   RAF flypast down the Royal Mile

POLICE SCOTLAND: ENGAGEMENT WITH PROTEST GROUPS

Engagement with protest groups is ongoing as part of preparations for a Coronation event being held in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July.

The event will take place during Royal Week where His Majesty King Charles III will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral, following processions on the Royal Mile. 

Police Scotland has been working with a number of key planning partners including the Scottish Government, Palace of Holyroodhouse, transport agencies and City of Edinburgh Council.

Police Scotland’s supporting role is to help the organiser deliver their event safely and securely and with dignity. One part of that is considering potential protests and a proactive engagement approach.

Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, police lead for the event, said: “Our priority is public safety and a policing plan is in place to maintain people’s safety, ensure the safe delivery of this significant event, enable peaceful protest and minimise disruption.

“Decisions about how to police protests require us to balance complex and often competing rights and issues.

“We have a legal duty to protect the rights of people who wish to peacefully protest or counter-protest. Our human rights based approach and legislation that applies in Scotland is unique amongst UK policing.

“Campaigning and demonstration is a legitimate, necessary and vital part of life. Abusive, threatening behaviour or activity intended to disrupt the event that risks public safety is not legitimate protest.

“Officers on the ground have to make dynamic assessments to quickly consider whether someone’s behaviour breaches the threshold of criminality. There are a range of factors and circumstances that affect this decision making, including considering the risk that behaviour has on the safety of those at the event, as well as any triggers that may lead to wider disruption.

“Every situation is unique. Safety is our priority, balanced against people’s rights.”

There will be road closures in Edinburgh and people should plan ahead by checking with City of Edinburgh Council and Traffic Scotland on their website and social media channels. Air restrictions for drones will also be in place.

Protest groups can contact Police Scotland by emailing OSDPLO@scotland.police.uk

More information about the event can be found on the Scottish Government’s website: Scotland marks Coronation of The King and Queen – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

The Public Order Act 2023, which has recently been referred to in England and Wales, does not apply to Scotland.

Scotland to mark Coronation of The King and Queen

One lavish Coronation ceremony just isn’t quite enough …

Scotland will mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla during Royal Week in Edinburgh on Wednesday 5 July. 

The King will be presented with the Honours of Scotland at a National Service of Thanksgiving at St Giles’ Cathedral following processions on the Royal Mile. Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Rothesay will also attend events.

The Honours will be collected from Edinburgh Castle by a ‘People’s Procession’, involving around 100 people representing aspects of Scottish life. 

It will be escorted by The Royal Regiment of Scotland , Shetland pony mascot Corporal Cruachan IV and supported by  cadet musicians from the Combined Cadet Force Pipes and Drums, 51 Brigade Cadet Military Band.

The Royal Procession will travel from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to the Cathedral. There will be opportunities for the public to view the People’s Procession and the Royal Procession along the Royal Mile.

A 21-Gun Salute will fire from Edinburgh Castle at the end of the St Giles’ Service, before the Royal Procession travels back to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. 

King Charles III receives the First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf during an audience at Buckingham Palace, London. Picture date: Wednesday May 17, 2023.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “Scotland will welcome the new King and Queen in July with a series of events to mark the Coronation. A People’s Procession, a Royal Procession, a National Service of Thanksgiving and a Gun Salute will take place in Edinburgh. 

“Representatives from many different communities and organisations in Scotland will take part in these historic events.

“People who wish to mark this historic occasion can get involved by watching broadcast coverage or viewing events in person. We will issue more information confirming how members of the public can access events in the coming weeks.”

Background Information

The Stone of Destiny will be in St Giles’ Cathedral for the service. There will also be a fly past by the Red Arrows following the event.

The People’s Procession will include representatives from a wide range of organisations in Scotland including:

  • Corporal Cruachan IV (a Shetland pony) the mascot of The Royal Regiment of Scotland
  • The Robert Gordon’s College Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Pipes and Drums and the Army Cadet Force Military Band
  • The High Constables (Edinburgh & Leith)
  • Scottish Youth Parliament
  • Guide Dogs
  • Enable Scotland
  • Scottish Wildlife Trust
  • The College of Master Kilt Makers
  • Duke of Edinburgh Awards
  • Botanic Gardens of Edinburgh
  • Royal Zoological Society of Edinburgh
  • Robert Burns Federation
  • Royal and Ancient Golf Course in St Andrews
  • The Scottish Tartans Authority
  • The Royal Scottish Highland Games Association
  • The Royal Scottish Official Board of Highland Dance
  • The Princes Foundation 
  • The Princes Trust
  • CHAS
  • RNLI
  • Samaritans
  • Girl Guides
  • Scouts
  • Boys and Girls Brigade

The Royal Procession will include musical accompaniment from the Royal Marine Band (Scotland) and the Pipes, Drums and Bugles of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (2 SCOTS).

The Honours of Scotland will be escorted from Edinburgh Castle by The King’s Body Guard for Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers (known as the Royal Company) and a Guard of Honour formed by contingents of the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The 21 Gun Saluting troop will be 12 Regiment Royal Artillery.

There will be public viewing opportunities along the pavements of the Royal Mile and outside the Palace of Holyroodhouse.

Details of the Order of Service and further information of exact locations and timings will be issued in the coming weeks.