A first as woman in saddle at city riding

EDINBURGH'S Riding of the Marches is set to be led by a woman for the first time in its 400-year history.

Tracy McNaughton, 24, has been announced as the bearer of newly-created monicker Captain's Lass - a principal position alongside the Captain at the helm of the 250-strong parade.

The former pupil at St Margaret's School for Girls applied for the role alongside scores of other hopefuls back in October.

Come the event on September 11, she will head the horseback cavalcade on a seven-hour tour of the city culminating at the Royal Mile.

The pageant, this time sponsored by Millers Town and Country, returned to the Capital's streets in 2009 following a 50-year break. It had then been resurrected after more than 200 years to celebrate the end of the war.

Riding of the Marches in Edinburgh was first recorded on Hallowe'en 1579 when the townsfolk gathered at the Provost's house before embarking on an inspection of the Marches of the Common Land.

Ms McNaughton said: "Until now there has only ever been a Captain at the riding so I will be the first Lass.

"It's fantastic and a real privilege to be the first. I was told that I ticked all the right boxes to be the Lass. I was born and bred with horses and have been attending the Borders ride-outs since I could walk."

She added: "Being the first ever Edinburgh Lass is a real responsibility and a chance to set the standard and showcase the role to other women who would like to take the job on in the future. I can't wait to ride at the front of the cavalcade up the Royal Mile. It will be a dream come true."

Councillor Iain Whyte, the 2011 Captain Elect, added: "It has been wonderful to be involved in the first two Ridings since the reinstatement of 2009.

"As someone with a keen sense of Edinburgh's history and traditions it will be a real privilege to have the chance to carry the Edinburgh Banner up the Royal Mile.

"It makes it extra special to me that we finish at the Mercat Cross opposite my workplace at the City Chambers and that I will get the chance to follow those members of the council from history who have taken part in the Ridings of the past. I look forward to welcoming Edinburgh residents and guests on the day."