Hearts and Hibs Reveal Commemorative Plaque in the Meadows

Hearts Football Club Heritage Department and Hibernian Historical Society have jointly unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the first ever recorded Edinburgh Derby.

The plaque has been installed to the outside of 7 Boroughloch, beside the Meadows, overlooking the site where this historic fixture was first contested. The inaugural recorded match between Heart of Midlothian and Hibernian took place on Christmas Day 1875 on the East Meadows, then a broad stretch of open ground on Edinburgh’s south side.

That match marked the birth of the Edinburgh Derby and the beginning of a rivalry that has endured for 150 years and remains central to the city’s sporting heritage.

The bespoke bronze commemorative plaque was designed and created by Brian Castor at local foundry Powderhall Bronze Ltd. It reads:

“This plaque marks the site of the first recorded ‘Edinburgh Derby’ football match between Heart of Midlothian Football Club and Hibernian Football Club, 25th December 1875.”

The unveiling was attended by Hearts' CEO Andrew McKinlay, Finance Director Euan Forbes, Principal Ambassador Gary Locke, and Hibernian representatives. 

Both clubs would like to thank the Lothian Association of Youth Clubs for generously allowing the plaque to be installed on their building.

Further details on the formation of both clubs and the circumstances surrounding their first recorded match can be found in the  accompanying online booklet.