China adds color to to Edinburgh's 2026 Tartan Parade

Scotland's capital city Edinburgh, particularly its "Old Town", is renowned for its distinctive, traditional architecture, rich in history dating back hundreds of years. This is particularly noticeable along the High Street, also known as the "Royal Mile" for it downhill runs between the city's spectacular castle and the Royal Palace of Holyrood. Such is the beauty of this and surrounding streets that it attracts many international visitors. Recent years have witnessed a noticeable growth of Chinese tourists, with Scotland becoming a popular destination for Chinese visitors, particularly due to Hainan Airlines providing direct flights between Beijing and Edinburgh.

New York has long hosted annual, highly acclaimed tartan parades, reflecting early Scottish connections with Northeastern United States. Following that city's success, it was felt that as Edinburgh is Scotland's capital, it should also be host to such a grand event. Edinburgh's initial 2025 parade proved very popular, leading to this year's event on May 9 becoming even larger, featuring around 2500 participants.

Tartan is the traditional cloth of Scotland, originating from its scenically beautiful Highland and Islands. Such a range of vivid tartans really brought a splash of color to those historic streets of the Old Town along which the parade followed. Today, the kilt is widely featured in ceremonial events.

This year's event brought together a wide range of people from across Scotland, sharing a passion for their country. It featured traditional bagpipe players, dancers, musicians, people dressed in historic themes; there was also a unique recognition of Scottish cuisine, the "haggis"! Among the younger participants were students from Edinburgh's Royal High School and St Augustine's RC High School. Indeed, some on the parade reflected Scotland's global connections with representatives from New York.

The Chinese community was there enhancing their highly appreciated presence during the 2025 event. Their colorful lion dance performances, of course, attracted attention.

Before joining the main parade on the Royal Mile, Chinese participants gathered in the courtyard of the City Chambers, Edinburgh's centre of its local government. A spacious area for performers to assemble. There, they were greeted by China's Consul General to Edinburgh Zhang Biao and Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost (Mayor) of Edinburgh. Both had also attended the 2025 parade, highlighting the significance of such events bringing the two societies and cultures together. Edward Tsang, chairman at the Association of Chinese Entrepreneurs in Scotland, was a key player successfully organising the Chinese participation. Edward Tsang, has been very active in promoting Chinese events such as during the Spring Festival. I alway appreciate attending them as they bring back many positive memories of China. Incidentally Edinburgh is twinned with Northwest China's Xi'an.

When the Chinese participations headed out from the courtyard, joining the main parade, they certainly created a sheer 'blaze' of colour. This really attracted the attention of the many spectators lining up to watch the various stunning performances. A large dragon was from Liverpool and Hung Gar Kung Fu School. Also the Golden Dragon and Fire Dragon came from Yee Hung Ga Sifu Conrad Barret Freeman.

When the Chinese participations headed out from the courtyard, joining the main parade, they certainly created a sheer 'blaze' of colour. This really attracted the attention of the many spectators lining up to watch the various stunning performances. A large dragon was from Liverpool and Hung Gar Kung Fu School. Also the Golden Dragon and Fire Dragon came from Yee Hung Ga Sifu Conrad Barret Freeman.

The parade passed historic St Giles Cathedral and other grand buildings along this fabled cobble street where crowds continued to grow all morning. Many were attracted by the entire feeling, the vivid colours, the costumes and so many excellent performances. With a stunning background of historic Edinburgh, it was certainly a very scenic event.

For its final section, the Tartan Parade descended from the Royal Mile heading along steep Cockburn Street towards the city's charming Princes Street Gardens. Reaching the wider, more level area outside Edinburgh Waverley Railway Station, Lord Provost Robert Aldridge was there, encouraging the parade from an open-top tourist bus.

Overall, it was a really positive event with many people both participating and watching the parade. It also reflected a positive friendship with Edinburgh, reflecting Scotland's long relationship with China.

Bruce Connolly is a photographer and writer from Scotland who has lived in China for over 30 years. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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