Thousands line Edinburgh city centre streets as Pride March celebrations get underway

Thousands of people have gathered in the capital to celebrate Edinburgh Pride 2024.

Huge crowds were pictured at the Scottish Parliament Building at Holyrood on Saturday, June 22, with scores of flags, banners and members of the LGBTQ+ communities taking to the streets.

Several streets were closed off across the capital ahead of the march as locals make their way across Horse Wynd, Royal Mile, George IV Bridge (southbound), Bristo Place, Potterrow, Chapel Street and George Square north leg.

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Shortly after leaving Holyrood on Saturday afternoon, the Royal Mile was swarmed with colour representing the Pride flag.

Ahead of the event, organisers said: "Since starting in 1994, Pride Edinburgh has grown exponentially. Coupled with the growth of digital channels we see our own digital presence as a vital part to engage with the community.

"From the Parliament the March will then go to: Canongate, High Street, George IV Bridge, Bristo Place, Lothian Street, Potterrow, Crichton Street, Charles Street and finish at The Pride Edinburgh Festival Village in the EUSA Complex."

Taking to X, formally known as Twitter, many people who were either watching or participating in the march uploaded pictures. One person said: "Edinburgh PRIDE. On the march we go. PRIDE IS A PROTEST".

Another person simply commented: "Happy Pride".

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First Minister John Swinney was also pictured taking part in the march. The SNP official X account wrote: "First Minister @JohnSwinney is joining thousands of people at Edinburgh Pride, celebrating love, diversity and progress.

"From equal marriage to LGBTI inclusive education, we’ve come so far - and we’ll keep working hard to advance LGBTI rights in Scotland."

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