EDINBURGH's Pride festival celebrated its 20th anniversary in style yesterday with more than a thousand people enjoying its colourful and eclectic march through the city.
The festival, which champions gay rights, brought a carnival atmosphere to the capital as marchers waving banners and rainbow LGBT flags made their way from the Scottish Parliament building up the Royal Mile to the City Chambers.
Tourists and locals lined the streets to watch the spectacle, snapping photos of the brightly coloured costumes and characters. Glitter covered the pavements as the march snaked its way along the cobbled streets.
A number of politicians also attended the event, including Highlands and Islands MSP Mary Scanlon, who told the crowd: "We've come a long way and it's 20 years since Pride started in Edinburgh.
"Why have we got here? Because of the activists campaigning for equality, understanding, sensitivity and a bit of compassion.
"Everyone has the right to feel safe, to be their whole self without attack or abuse.
"I say to all of you we are making a difference. Keep making a difference, keep marching and stay proud."
Representatives from the Equality Network, United Against Fascism, the Scouts and various other businesses and public bodies also carried banners.
Jemma Gunderson, 17, from Fife, who was attending her first Pride Edinburgh festival, said: "I think it's really important. Things are improving gradually. It needs to be stepped up a bit but we'll get there."
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