The largest-ever gathering of Ford Model T cars in Britain took place in Edinburgh yesterday to celebrate the centenary of the iconic vehicle.

A fleet of 89 Ford Model T cars left Bute House in Charlotte Square at the sound of the One O'clock Gun, marking the start of a week-long rally in the Borders.

Dubbed the Tin Lizzie, the Model T was first produced by the Ford Motor Company in 1908 in Detroit, where it was credited with forging the popularity of the car and "putting America on wheels".

It is widely regarded as the first affordable car, partly due to Ford's decision to switch to cheaper assembly-line production instead of individual hand-crafting.

The cars have strong links with Scotland where several companies provided components. One of their most adventurous Scottish fans, Henry Alexander, famously drove a Model T to the top of Ben Nevis in 1911.

Members of the Alexander family were invited to join the Model T parade drivers, MSPs and Lord Provost George Grubb at a civic reception yesterday afternoon at the city chambers on the Royal Mile.

Speaking before the event, the Lord Provost said: "I am delighted that this celebration of 100 years of the Model T is happening in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders. The Model T is an iconic motor car and having so many of them in one place is bound to be an amazing spectacle. I welcome to Edinburgh all who are part of this celebration."

After the reception, the cars made their way down the Royal Mile and on through Holyrood Park before heading south to the Borders.

The week-long rally, which has attracted entries from Sweden and Poland to America, will take in Selkirk, Melrose, St Boswells, Peebles and Jedburgh, ending with a display of vehicles in the square at Kelso on Friday.