The Edinburgh Tartan Parade will return to the Scottish capital on Saturday, 9 May for its second year. Rooted in a connection to Scotland’s history, London North Eastern Railway is set to both sponsor the event and participate once again, wearing the operator’s own tartan.

Thousands of spectators are anticipated along the route, which departs the Royal Mile at 1 pm. The procession will travel down Cockburn Street, cross Waverley Bridge and finish at the Mound Precinct.

Celebrations will continue into the evening, with a ticketed concert at the Usher Hall. The event will be headlined by viral bagpiper Ally, known for his contemporary interpretation of the Great Highland bagpipe, alongside The Red-Hot Chilli Pipers. Television presenter Gail Porter will host the performance.

Among those participating is Autism Acceptance, whose tartan incorporates a gold stripe and 20 white threads, marking both the community’s identity and the 20th anniversary of ‘Number 6 One Stop Shop for Autistic Adults’, operated by Autism Initiatives Scotland.

The parade’s first appearance in 2025 drew 1,600 participants through Edinburgh’s historic streets. For 2026, organisers expect numbers to rise significantly, with up to 2,500 people set to join the procession. The event showcases Scotland’s cultural traditions through tartans, pipe bands, and dancers, welcoming a wide range of participants.

“We’re proud to be the headline sponsor for this year’s Edinburgh Tartan Parade. The event celebrates Scotland and its heritage and culture, bringing people together from near and far – values that align perfectly with the role LNER plays connecting communities up and down our almost thousand-mile route.” 

Jake Orros, Community Partnership Manager for LNER.

“The parade was a huge success last year and this year, it’s going to be even bigger. Tartan Parade Scotland and LNER are excited to showcase this spectacular tartan parade in the heart of Edinburgh – all capped off with a public concert and an exclusive ceilidh for parade participants and volunteers.”

Tania Pramschufer, Founder of Tartan Parade Scotland and World Fair Trade Tartan.