The Blue Blanket

The Edinburgh Ridings took place today with over 200 riders and horses having marked the southern boundaries by riding through the fields and tracks and here preparing to go up the Royal Mile to the Mercat Cross. There they were commemorating those of Edinburgh who died 500 years ago on 9th September 1513 at the battle of Flodden on the English border. There are conflicting reports on the number killed but it was possibly 4000 English and 10000 Scots including the King. The Captain of the City Band managed to retrieve the very special Blue Blanket Flag and hurried back to Edinburgh to inform them of the tragic defeat. The leader here holds the replica Blue Blanket as the riders are mustered for the last stage of their ride.