Royal Company of Archers compete for the Edinburgh Arrow

The Royal Company of Archers has just played an important ceremonial role during Royal Week, accompanying and guarding HM the King.

Just before His Majesty’s arrival the members of the King’s Bodyguard in Scotland had competed in Bruntsfield Links for The Edinburgh Arrow, an archery competition which has run for 317 years. The current Captain-general is His Grace the Duke of Buccleuch who has held the office since 2014.

The members have also recently competed for the Selkirk Arrow and the Musselburgh Arrow which is a small arrow presented by the town in 1603, replaced by a larger one in 1713. The winner keeps the arrow for a year, adding a medal with an engraved personal motto.

Three of the arrows, Peebles, Selkirk and Edinburgh Are depicted on one of the standards borne by the Royal Company.

During Royal Week, the archers held their prime shoot, the King’s Prize which is normally held in Holyrood Park after which the Royal Company marches back into the grounds of the Palace.

As well as cohorts in Scotland, mainly based at the Archers’ Hall on Buccleuch Street, there are others in Kensington Gardens in London, and one member told The Edinburgh Reporter that there are more members taking part in archery now.

There is also an associated charity, The Royal Company. of Archers Charitable Trust which is dedicated to helping people with their health and wellbeing.

The winner of the Edinburgh Arrow was Simon Peters who received the prize from the Rt Hon Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge on a rainy June day.