News and Events 

Quiz Night

Wednesday, 5th March 2025

   

The triumphant team ‘Cahill’s Clowns’ from Ward XVII led by Maidie Cahill collect their prizes at the end of the Quiz.

The Society quiz night is a firm favourite among the Society social events. Teams were entered by almost all Wards, under the organising eye of Captain David Andrew (Ward V), Convenor of Captains. After three rounds of questions set by the Quiz Master, the winning team from Ward XVII had achieved victory with 47 points. An excellent evening was had by all, and we hope the Pop Shop Boys will return next year.

 

Cheque presentation to the Listening Service

Friday, 17th May 2024

   

Ex-Moderator Norman Fiddes (Ward XV) and Roger Binks (Ward XVII) present a cheque donation to the Listening Service

The Society presented a cheque for £1000 from the Charitable Trust to the Listening Service. They use volunteers to provide free advice and support to anyone needing help at the Sheriff Court.  The charity was suggested for support by Ward XVII.  The cheque represented a significant amount of income for the charity, allowing them to train many more volunteers for the coming year, and was gratefully received.

 

Tribute to the late Tom Galzean

Saturday, 20th April 2024

   

David Gilroy and Richard Brian (Ward IX) attend the statue unveiling on the Royal Mile

David Gilroy and Richard Brian (both of Ward IX) accompanied the Lord Provost, the Rt Hon Robert Aldridge, to the unveiling of the “Oor Wullie” statue of the late Tom Galzean outside Gordon’s Trattoria on the Royal Mile. Tom was a prolific charity fundraiser and a major supporter of the Edinburgh Children's Hospital Charity. Tom received the Edinburgh Award in 2015 and an MBE in 2019 for his charity work. He died in 2019 at the age of 99, having raised over £1m for good causes. It is hoped that the statue will help raise more funds for the charities he supported.

 

2024 Society Annual General Meeting

Monday, 15th April 2024

   

Ex-Moderator Norman Fiddes (Ward XV) (L) congratulates the new Moderator Don Young (Ward XIX) (R) on his election.

The members of the Society gathered at the City Chambers on 15th April 2024 for the Society Annual General Meeting.

The meeting had good attendance and followed the normal agenda including the approval of the minutes of the previous (2023) AGM, the Society accounts, the charitable trust accounts, amendment to the Society constitution, the election of Office Bearers for the year ahead, appointments to Non-Office Bearer roles and reports from the sporting societies.

The key amendment to the Society constitution put in place a new workplace eligibility criteria to join the Society. Applicants “shall be, at the date of election, registered electors within the City of Edinburgh or have their primary place of business within the City of Edinburgh”.

The outgoing Moderator, Norman Fiddes (Ward XV), thanked the Society for their support and kindness during his term of office. The new Moderator, Don Young (Ward XIX) spoke briefly, not wanting to delay access to the post-meeting pies, and thanked the Society for their support in his election. The Lord Provost, the Rt Hon Robert Aldridge, then joined the meeting, gave a speech thanking the Society for their service over the previous year, supervised the member’s renewal of their oath of allegiance to the His Majesty the King, and then presented eight long service awards, the Society competition trophies and sporting club trophies.

Of special mention, there were two awards of 50-Year Gold Service Bars to Andrew Hepburn (Ward XIII) and Gordon Mathison (Ward XX). The long service awards were followed by a few words from Andrew, the current father of the Society, where he explained his involvement over the 50 years, the roles he had held as convenor of captains and secretary, treasurer and president of the bowling and curling clubs over many years, and the pleasure he took from the company of so many friends in the Society. The two 50-year award recipients received a standing ovation.

The meeting was followed by a reception for all members with the traditional provision of steak pies, drinks and good company – with the innovation of the provision of a selection of whiskies and non-alcoholic lager. The Society is changing.

Andrew Hepburn (Ward XIII) receiving his 50 Year Service Bar

Gordon Mathison (Ward XX) receiving his 50 Year Service Bar

Notes: The amended constitution and updated application form will be made available to Wards as soon as possible. The full details of the long service awards, clubs reports and additional photographs are available for download in the Member’s area of the website. The Society pays the City of Edinburgh Council for all the costs of the AGM and reception.

 

Ward V support for Libertus at Christmas

Thursday, 7th December 2023

David Andrew, Captain Ward V, presented their allocation of 12 Society Christmas parcels to Libertus.  Libertus responded that "their generosity has made a huge difference to the people we support, their carers and the wider Libertus Family."

   

 

Riding of the Marches

Sunday, 10th September 2023

The Moderator, Vice Moderator, Ex-Moderator, Secretary and Constables from Ward V, VIII and XV led the banners and official party from the City Chambers down to John Knox’s House where they were joined by over 250 riders who had taken part in the Riding of the Marches and led the full procession back up the High Street to the Mercat Cross.

The Lord Provost, Lord Provost’s Consort and the Leader of the City of Edinburgh Council took part on horseback. The last time a Lord Provost rode the Marches was in the 18th Century.

Images are by permission and © Daren Frankish | R Swinney 2023

     

     

    

     

    

   

 

Ward V support for Libertus

Tuesday, 29th August 2023

David Andrew Captain Ward V presented two sets of Outdoor Seating to Andrew Farr, General Manager, Libertus Services at their Canalside Wester Hailes and Gracemount Sites.
Libertus Services is an Edinburgh based charity dedicated to supporting people to live independently through registered Day Care services alongside a plethora of recreational, educational, cultural and social activities.

Members of Ward V donate each month to the Ward Charity Account and have supported Libertus Services for many years with Equipment and also the Christmas Parcels which Libertus distribute on the Ward’s behalf.

The photos show David Andrew and Andrew Farr behind the Members enjoying the new Seating.

   

 

Bowling Match against the High Constables of Perth

Tuesday, 8th August 2023

The bowling match between Edinburgh High Constables and the Perth High Constables was held this year in Edinburgh at the Blackhall Bowling Club on 8th August. The match alternates between Edinburgh and Perth rinks.

The trophy was presented by Perth High Constables in 1915, the year of the first bowling match between the two Societies.

The outcome this year was that Edinburgh triumphed 46 to 22 shots over Perth.

Over the many years that the match has been played Edinburgh are ahead by a handful of games

New members are always welcome to play in this annual match of inter-society fellowship - no experience necessary!

   

 

Formal Presentation of the Society Strategic Review

Thursday, 27th July 2023

The Moderator, Norman Fiddes (Ward XV) and Strategic Review Committee member Katie Ridland (Ward XXIII) presented the Lord Provost Robert Aldridge with a copy of the 2023 Strategic Review, and thanked him for his support of the Review and it's recommendations.  

  

 

National Service of Dedication and Thanksgiving

Tuesday, 5th July 2023

As part of the celebration of the King’s Coronation, Office Bearers and members of the Society of High Constables of Edinburgh were tasked with leading the People’s Procession. Representatives of different aspects of Scottish life processed from Edinburgh Castle to St Giles’ Cathedral for a National Service of Thanksgiving and Dedication, where their Majesties the King and Queen were presented with the Honours of Scotland.

   

 

 Committee of Captains' Meeting

Thursday, 18th May 2023

The Moderator presented grant cheques from the Society Charitable Trust of £1,500 to the Edinburgh Street Pastors and £1,000 to the Ukrainian Community Centre.  

  

Edinburgh Street Pastors: Andy Armour noted that the organisation is part of a network across the UK started in 2003. The Edinburgh effort started in 2009, in order to help and care for the night-time economy in the capital. Small teams operate between 10pm and 4am. They seek to help people begging, people who are homeless, and visitors/tourists who are in trouble. Last year practical help was offered over 3,000 times. The charity has 50 volunteers, but without the support given by organisations such as the Society of High Constables, it cannot function.

Ukrainian Community Centre: Hannah Beaton-Hawryluk, noted that they had 200 volunteers and a community centre in Edinburgh. They mainly work with women and children - talking the language and offering support and clothing. To-date they have also sent 32 lorries with goods needed in Ukraine. They are pleased that the City of Edinburgh is trying to source a warehouse. They seek to support the people until it is safe to return to Ukraine.

 

Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry - Freedom of the City of Edinburgh

Saturday, 2nd April 2022

The Freedom of the City of Edinburgh was awarded to the Edinburgh Squadron of the Scottish and North Irish Yeomanry (SNIY) on Saturday morning. It is a tradition that dates back over 560 years to 1459.  The Yeomanry is the Army’s newest combat regiment and is based at Redford Barracks.

The Lord Provost's Platoon and Office bearers were on duty to support the Lord Provost during the event. 

       

 

Committee of Captains' Meeting

Thursday, 14th October 2021

Captains, Deputies and Office Bearers attended the City Chambers on Thursday 14th October for the Committee of Captains' Meeting. This was the first face-to-face meeting since the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions, with some attendees joining remotely using Zoom. Pies and drinks were enjoyed afterwards.

 

Moderator's Drinks Reception

Friday, 17th September 2021

The Moderator's Drinks Reception was held at the Gateway venue of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh, on Friday 17th September 2021.  Over 100 Society members and guests enjoyed the opportunity to attend the first social event after the relaxation of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions.  The weather was pleasant and the food, drink and company was excellent.

      

        

 

Gorgie Farm

Thursday, 17th June 2021

Ward X (Gorgie-Dalry) made a donation of £500 to the much loved City of Edinburgh institution LOVE Gorgie Farm, a friendly urban farm that offers hands-on educational and learning opportunities. Tucked in between Edinburgh’s busy railway line and one of the city’s main roads, LOVE Gorgie Farm is a little piece of countryside right in the heart of Edinburgh, home to many animals. From Left to right, Jacqueline Easson, Moderator; Julie O'Donnell, Head of Gorgie Farm; Chris Barclay, past Captain Ward X; Gordon Anderson Captain Ward X.

 

Christmas Parcels

Wednesday, 2nd December 2020

The Society Christmas Parcels have been assembled once again by David Millar (Ward II) and his wife Jill.  These are collected by Ward members for onwards transmission to people in need in our Edinburgh community.  From Left to right, Joan Griffiths (Deputy Lord Provost), David and Jill Millar and Jacqueline Easson (Moderator).

 

Office Bearers sent to the Tower

Tuesday, 14th October 2014

On Tuesday 14 October 2014 eight High Constables and their partners were guests of the Yeoman of the Guard at the Tower of London.  The group were treated to a guided tour and supper in the Warders’ Club.

 

Army 3 Rifles take trophy from High Constables

Craigiehall Barracks - 5th October 2014

This was the second Annual Challenge of the Edinburgh High Constables Shooting Club.  Competing teams were: Edinburgh High Constables; Merchant Company Shooting Club; New Club Shooting Society; Rotarians; and the Army represented by 3 Rifles.  The event was organised by the Club Captain of the Edinburgh High Constables Shooting Club, Steven Donald, and hosted by the Army at Craigiehall under the care of Major John Currie.  Following the shoot contestants had lunch in the Officers' Mess in Craigiehall House.  A total of thirty two contestants took part and the winning team this year was 3 Rifles with: L/Cpl Danny Dey, Rfm Aaron Crawley and Rfm Jordan Kennett.