In the early 1900’s Souters (people born in Selkirk) who moved away from Selkirk, to London, Glasgow or Edinburgh, for work or family reasons, formed Souters Society’s. The Souters who lived in Edinburgh and the Lothians were among the earliest to form a Society - The Edinburgh and Lothian Souters’ Society (ELSS). The ELSS members kept in close touch with Selkirk and the Common Riding.

In 1900 the ELSS started the tradition of providing a scarlet sash emblazoned with the Burgh Arms in blue, and the Standard Bearers name embroidered on it. The Royal Burgh Standard Bearer is presented with the sash by the Provost at the Victoria Hall on the Common Riding morning when he also takes charge of the Royal Burgh Flag. The ELSS still provides the Sash more than a 100 years later.

In 1912 the Edinburgh Souters’ decided that the Standard Bearer should have a permanent memento of his year in office, in the form of a solid gold medallion with the Selkirk seal on the face and suitably inscribed on the back. To this day, the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer is presented with a solid gold medallion. The presentation takes place at the Colonial Society Bussin’ on the Wednesday night of the Common Riding week, by two full members of the ELSS. One makes a speech the other is a lady pinner.

The Edinburgh and Lothian Souters’ Society wish to continue these long traditions and work tirelessly every year to raise the funds, through membership subscriptions and by holding events.

We need new and young members, both Full and Associate Members and ask that you consider joining the ELSS. Details of the types of membership available, and the criteria for membership along with membership application forms are provided below.