A guide to the Clans and Tartans of Scotland: From Scottish Clan Information to Clan Merchandise, Handmade Kilts, Highland Outfits ... everything a true Scot should need and know.

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October 19 in Scottish History

On this day in 1687 the first public-hire sedan chairs became available in Edinburgh. A sedan was an enclosed chair for one person, carried on poles by two men. The very affluent already had their own ornate models, and this date marked the appearance of a modest fleet of six functional 'black cab'-like chairs. Replacing cumbersome horse and carriage, sedans were a particularly suitable mode of transport in the narrow wynds and closes of Edinburgh's Old Town, though it can't have been much fun to work as a bearer, many of whom were Highlanders and wore tartan uniforms. They reached the height of their popularity in the 18th century, when there were as many as 180 sedans for public hire in Edinburgh.