2024 marks 900 years since Edinburgh was granted Royal Burgh status by King David I in 1124. To celebrate this historic milestone, the City of Edinburgh has launched Edinburgh 900, a programme of events and initiatives taking place throughout autumn 2024 and spring 2025. These celebrations will highlight different aspects of the city’s rich heritage and development.
As one of Edinburgh’s oldest institutions, The Royal Company of Merchants has been invited to lead The City of Commerce theme, one of ten key themes within the Edinburgh 900 programme. With a legacy spanning nearly 350 years, the Merchant Company has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s commercial and philanthropic landscape. Supported by a substantial grant from the Council, the Company has planned two major events that will showcase its impact on Edinburgh’s history.
The first event is an Edinburgh 900-themed choral and orchestral concert, performed by ESMS pupils, at the Usher Hall on Sunday 23 March 2025. A highlight of the evening will be three specially commissioned compositions celebrating Edinburgh 900, featuring lyrics by esteemed writer Alexander McCall Smith set to music by Edinburgh City Organist, John Kitchen. These pieces will reflect key moments in Edinburgh’s history, from the Scottish Enlightenment to its evolution as a Festival City. The world premiere of these songs will be performed by a choir of ESMS pupils from Primary 6 to S2, making it a truly special occasion. Tickets for this special event will be available soon.
The second event is a week-long exhibition, A Story of Endeavour and Achievement, running from 24–28 March 2025 at The Merchants’ Hall. Drawing from the Company’s extensive archives, the exhibition will chronicle the role of merchants in Edinburgh’s development from the 11th century through to the founding of the Merchant Company in 1681 and beyond. It will highlight the Company’s benefactors, estates, and continued influence on the city. The exhibition will also explore the philanthropy of the school founders and their lasting impact on Edinburgh and the wider world. This exhibition is a drop in event, so you are welcome to come anytime during that week, from 10am-3pm. If you would like to volunteer to help staff our exhibition about our founders, please contact Jon Cooper on archivemes@esms.org.uk.
Complementing the exhibition, a series of afternoon lectures will take place daily, delivered by leading experts on Edinburgh’s commercial evolution. Topics will cover financial services and banking, the historic rivalry between merchants and tradespeople, the development of the New Town, Edinburgh’s European trade connections, and the legacy of mercantile philanthropy.
These events promise to offer a fascinating insight into the city’s past and the enduring role of the Merchant Company in its progress and we hope you will be able to come along.