Tartan is part of our shared highland story. One that has become an international symbol of community, family and much more.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness proudly coordinated a vibrant delegation of member businesses to walk at the front of the second annual Edinburgh Tartan Parade, showcasing the spirit, culture and tourism offering of the Highlands to thousands of spectators in Scotland’s capital.
Representing the Inverness and Loch Ness region, participating businesses joined the parade in a celebration of Scottish heritage, community and collaboration. The event brought together organisations, performers, clans and cultural groups from across the country, with the Highland delegation earning strong applause as they led the procession through the historic streets of Edinburgh.
From Susan Stewart, Rebel Development Officer for Rebel Row X Prickly Thistle, said, “it was an honour and completely exhilarating being part of the parade. The interaction with the crowd was phenomenal and the love of tartan shone through.”
Partnered with the London North East Railway (LNER), local Highland businesses led from the front of the parade.
The coordinated presence formed part of Visit Inverness Loch Ness’s ongoing commitment to promoting the region on a national and international stage while strengthening partnerships across the local tourism and hospitality sector.
“This was a fantastic opportunity to place Inverness Loch Ness at the heart of one of Scotland’s most visually spectacular celebrations,” said Ellen Fogel Walker, Chief Executive at Visit Inverness Loch Ness. “Having our member businesses walk together at the front of the parade demonstrated the strength of collaboration within our tourism community and the pride we all share in representing the Highlands.”
Businesses taking part represented a wide cross-section of the visitor economy, including accommodation providers, tour operators, attractions, food and drink businesses and cultural organisations.
Anna Pelikan, Founder & Host of the Scottish Cooking Experience, said, “the level of exposure that I had as a small business was extraordinary, and the experience was completely unique. Being a part of Visit Inverness Loch Ness has allowed me to grow in ways I never would have thought possible on my own”. The delegation highlighted the warm welcome, rich heritage and world-renowned scenery that continue to attract visitors to the Inverness Loch Ness region year-round.
Moira Unwin, Marketing Manager, the Loch Ness Experience said, “seeing peoples’ eyes light up at the vibrant displays of tartans paired with the icons of Highland stories, including our beloved Nessie was heart-warming. People from all over the world connect with our culture because we invite them to be part of it. We hope that it continues to grow”.
The Edinburgh Tartan Parade has quickly become a key fixture in Scotland’s cultural calendar, celebrating tartan as a global symbol of Scottish identity and heritage. This year’s event welcomed participants and visitors from across Scotland and beyond.
The parade was also an opportunity for our next generation of Highland Ambassadors to take centre stage. Pupils from Cheryl Heggie’s School of Dance took part in displays of Highland Dance with a well-crafted Nessie in their midst. Heggie said “myself, the dancers and their families had another amazing time at the Edinburgh Tartan Parade. This is our second year, and the atmosphere was even more thrilling than the last. The cheering crowds, the sun shining and the rhythm of the pipes playing made the day exciting and memorable”.
Visit Inverness Loch Ness extended thanks to all participating members, parade organisers and supporters who helped make the occasion a success.
For more information about Visit Inverness Loch Ness and its member businesses, visit Visit Inverness Loch Ness.