Sir Walter Scott, Bt
A message was received from HRH The Duke of Rothesay, who sent greetings and a poem by Sir Walter Scott and regretted that he was unable to be present.
A Ceremonial Procession from Parliament Hall to the Cathedral was led by he Rt Hon Lord Lyon King of Arms and members of the Lyon Court with bearers of the National Flag and the Royal Banner of Scotland. The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT led representatives of the Knights of the Order of the Thistle, who were followed by The Rt Hon the Lord Provost with the Councillors of the City of Edinburgh, the City Officers, the High Constables and the Senators of the College of Justice.
The sword of King Robert the Bruce was carried by his descendant Lord Bruce. The swords of Rob Roy MacGregor and The Marquess of Montrose were laid in the Cathedral. Representatives of 28 organisations associated with Sir Walter Scott joined the procession.
The Dandie Dinmont Association was represented by some 50 dogs.
The Honourable Company of Archers (The Queen's Bodyguard for Scotland) was on parade and a Guard of Honour was mounted by The Scottish and Irish Yeomanry and The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
The service was conducted by the minister, the Reverend Calum MacLeod.
There were readings by The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry KT, The Rt Hon Lady Dorrian PC QC, Sir Angus Grossart QC, Billy Kay and Professor David Purdie. The Very Reverend Professor Iain Torrance KCVO led the prayers.
Zoe Drummond sang operatic arias related to Sir Walter Scott, and Aly Bain and Phil Cunningham played ballads, with the congregation singing 'Bonnie Dundee' led by Phamie Gow.
After the service, led by two pipe bands, there was a Grand March from the Cathedral to The Walter Scott Monument where floral tributes were laid in the memory of Sir Walter Scott.