The pupils wore short jackets and grey trousers. They were also issued with glengarry caps. The identity number allocated to the wearer was sewn on a label inside the cap.

The pupils wore short jackets and grey trousers. They were also issued with glengarry caps. The identity number allocated to the wearer was sewn on a label inside the cap.
Dr Bedford was appointed headmaster in 1854
Hans Christian Andersen paid a visit to the school in 1847. His signature can be seen in the visitors’ book.
The loving cup said to have belonged to George Heriot was presented to the school in 1792.
A memorial stone to John Carmichael the treasurer of Heriot’s who died in 1785 stands against the north wall of Greyfriars Kirk.
In 1783 James Hay who had been a pupil at the school was imprisoned in the Old Tolbooth awaiting execution for robbery. He escaped and hid in Bloody McKenzie’s Tomb where he was fed by the pupils until it was safe to board a ship and start a new life abroad.
The Edinburgh Volunteers practiced drill in the school grounds. The regiment received its colours in 1794.
In 1791 it was proposed to build a lodge house on the north side of the school to prevent the pupils leaving without permission and keep out undesirable characters.
In 1762 an architect’s report suggested that an avenue should be built connecting the north entrance of the school to the Grassmarket.
Vincenzo Lunardi made a balloon flight from Heriot’s grounds over the Firth of Forth to Fife in 1785.