Riding to get female touch

A WOMAN is to be appointed as a key figurehead for the annual Edinburgh Riding of the Marches for the first time.

The event, which has been held for each of the last two Septembers after a 63-year break, will feature an "Edinburgh Lass" for the first time next year. Some "basic" horseriding skills are said to be an advantage.

The Lass will represent Edinburgh at many festivals during the summer and will ride side by side with the 2011 Captain at the head of the Riding of the Marches on September 11, 2011. There is also a vacancy for a new 2nd Officer.