News and Events 

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

     

     

    

     

    

   

 

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.

   

  

 

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.  

  

 

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.