In 1662, James Lord Forrester obtained an act of Parliament, authorizing four free fairs in the year to be held in the burgh of Corstorphine, "as a fit place for ease of the leidges, and for selling of horses, nolt, sheip, bestial, and other goods and merchandize."

The days fixed were as follows; 1. on the first Tuesday after Easter; 2. on 24th July; 3. on 26th August; and 4. on 20th October.

None of these fairs are now held; but there are two holidays in summer, which have succeeded them, the one is held on the first Tuesday of June, and is called  Corstorphine Fair. The other is the Carters' Play, and is held on the third Friday of June.