This book is the second which records the 330 year history of The Edinburgh Merchant Company. The first, by Alexander Heron, covers the period 1681-1901 and ends where this new book picks up with the sudden death of Master John Macmillan whilst chairing a Members' Dinner in the Merchants' Hall. It charts the Company's endeavour and achievements through the difficult period of two world wars and a time of change for both the Company and its schools. It records stories of Royal patronage, of both success and failures and of the Company's determination to grow and prosper and to leave a rich heritage for future generations. Above all it is a story of 113 years of a Company which has had a huge influence on the civic, cultural and ceremonial life of the city of Edinburgh and the surrounding area.