Viewing-point:
In the 1990s, an information-board was erected
at the top of Braid Hill, specifically describing
the seven hills which make up the course.
The prime mover of this initiative was the late John
Bartholomew, of the famous map-making company.
Fireworks:
Edinburgh's Hogmanay celebrations
took up the seven hills theme in the past, with fireworks
getting set off from each of the hills at midnight,,,
but this practice seems not to have survived.
Music:
In 1988, a musical composition by Neil Butterworth
entitled "The Seven Hills March"
was played at the tops of the 7 hills by
members of the Edinburgh Youth Orchestra.
In 2020 a new '7 Hills' music project was initiated by St Mary's Music School, involving poetry by Alexander McCall Smith, with a new work being composed for each hill.
A piper plays encouraging tunes each year for the runners at the top of Blackford Hill.
There is a musical group called The 7 Hills Ceilidh Band, whose accordionist, Coll Williamson (HBT), regularly takes part in the 7 Hills Race.
Television:
The event has featured once on television.
Channel 4's sport department appeared in
1997 — the only year the event has
ever suffered from heavy rain!
