Common Riding

Riders returning from riding the Selkirk Marches gallop in at The Toll

Common Riding is an annual event celebrated in Scottish Border towns as well as in other locations. Common Riding is meant to commemorate the times of the past when local men risked their lives in order to protect their town and people.

History

The tradition of common riding dates back to the 13th and 14th centuries, during the continual land border wars both with England and against other clans. It was a Border Country custom to plunder and thieve cattle, known as reiving (a historical name for robbing), and commonplace amongst the major Borders families. In these lawless and battle-strewn times, it became the practice of the day for the local lord to appoint a leading townsperson, who would then ride the clan's boundaries, or "marches", to protect their common lands and prevent encroachment by neighbouring landlords and their peoples.

Long after they ceased to be essential, the ridings continued in commemoration of local legend, history and tradition.

Present

In current times, Common Ridings celebrate each Border town's history and tradition in mid-summer, during a period spanning May through to June. Rideouts now involve hundreds of horses, often ridden in costume to evoke a passion worthy of the reivers of old.[1]

Each community starts its celebration with the election of that year's principal man in the spring, chosen from amongst the community's young men. The leader of the community's celebration, once elected and until the end of ceremonies that year in that community, the principal man is an honoured figure. Each community often has a different name for their nominated leader/principal man:[1]


Hawick is traditionally the start of the season of annual rideouts, due to the fact that the community captured a flag from the English army in 1514. The other oldest Common Ridings are held at Selkirk, Langholm and Lauder, each with histories tracing back over hundreds of years. Other towns which now hold ridings are: Lanark; Biggar; Peebles; Coldstream; Duns; Kelso; Jedburgh; Galashiels; Melrose; West Linton; Musselburgh; Edinburgh

While most community festivities last a week, some are focused around a few days while others last for up to two weeks. The programme will consist of a combination of ceremonies, rideouts, entertainment and traditional Scottish sports. Community spirit for the ride is symbolised by the Burgh Flag, which in a colourful ceremony is bussed, recalling the days when a knight's lady attached her ribbon to his lance before battle, where by now ribbons are tied to the Burgh Flag staff by the principal lass.[1]

Today Common Ridings attract large crowds (of emigrants and tourists) gathering from all around the world as Borderers pay their respects to those who risked their lives protecting the townspeople.

Common Riding festivals

Hawick

The Hawick Common-Riding is the first and largest of the Border festivals and celebrates the capture of an English Flag in the Battle of Hornshole in 1514 as well as the marking of the boundaries.

After election night in May, each Saturday and Tuesday leading up to the Common-Riding, the Cornet and his supporters ride-out to visit surrounding villages and farms. The first Cornet's Chase takes place uphill on the "Nipknowes" to St. Leonards hut where a local publican is tasked to supply the customary dish of “curds and cream” or "soordook" for refreshment during the official riding of the marches the following week.

On the Sunday before the Common-Riding in June, the Honorary Provost's Council attends the Kirkin' of the Cornet, a church service held in the Cornet's place of worship. In the afternoon the Cornet's party travels to the Hornshole Memorial where the Cornet's Lass lays a wreath. They then travel to the Moor to inspect the race-course.

Following Chases on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings the second major Chase takes place on the Thursday morning at 6.00 a.m. when the Cornet carries the Flag for the first time. Later the Principals visit local schools where the Cornet asks that the children are given a holiday for the rest of the week. This is, of course, granted and the children and parents join in singing festival songs.

The Colour Bussing takes place on the Thursday evening in the Town Hall. The Hon. Provost and Magistrates are played into a packed Hall by the Drum and Fife Band. Then come the Lasses with the Maids of Honour. The Cornet's Lass carries the Flag to the front of the Hall with her attendants and “busses” the Flag by tying ribbons to the head of the staff. The Flag is then given to the Cornet when he is reminded that it is “the embodiment of all the traditions that are our glorious heritage”. The Cornet is charged to ride the marches of the commonty of Hawick and return the Flag “unsullied and unstained”. The Halberdier then calls on the burgesses to “ride the meiths and marches of the commonty”. Then begins the Cornet's Walk around the town with his supporters stopping on the way to tie his ribbons on the 1514 Memorial.

Early the following morning the Drum and Fife Band set off to rouse the town. At 6.00 a.m. in Towerdykeside a ceremony called the Snuffin' takes place, when snuff is dispensed from an old horned mull by the town's official song singer. The crowd soon disperses to the surrounding pubs for the traditional rum and milk before breakfast followed by the singing of the “Old Song” at the door of The Borders Textile Towerhouse, each of the Principals taking it in turn to sing verses.

Then the Principals, along with 300-400 mounted supporters, process round the town up to the Nipknowes where the main chase takes place concluding in song, toasts and curds and cream at the Hut. The riders then set off via Williestruther Loch and Acreknowe Reservoir to ride the marches where the Cornet ceremoniously “Cuts the Sod” at the furthermost point of the common. They then make their way to the race-course where, after a programme of horse-racing, the company remounts and proceeds to Millpath where a proclamation is made that the marches have been duly ridden without interruption or molestation of any kind. This is followed by more singing and playing of Drums and Fifes and the Flag is returned temporarily to the Council Chambers where it is displayed. Later the Cornet's party attend the Common-Riding Dinner followed by the Ball where dancing continues into the night before seeing in the dawn from the summit of the Mote.

On Saturday the town is again roused by the Drum and Fife Band and by 9.30 a.m. the Cornet and supporters ride to Wilton Lodge Park where the male Principals lay wreaths of remembrance at the town's War Memorial. The procession then heads for the Moor where horse races are again held. At 3.00 p.m. the Cornet and his mounted supporters leave the Moor for the town stopping at the Coble Pool in the River Teviot to dip the flag marking another boundary.

On the Cornet's return, his official duties end when he ceremoniously returns the Flag to the Hon. Provost in the Council Chambers. This is a solemn occasion as it marks the end of the Common-Riding. Outside the riders stand to attention in their stirrups whilst the Saxhorn Band plays 'Invocation' and the Cornet displays the Flag for the last time. Teribus is traditionally sung at many occasions during the festivities.

Selkirk

The Selkirk Common Riding is a celebration of the history and traditions of the Royal and Ancient Burgh. Held on the second Friday after the first Monday in June, the ceremony is one of the oldest in the area, with 300-400 riders, Selkirk boasts one of the largest cavalcades of horses and riders in Europe. Selkirk still owns common land to the north and south of the town, but only the northern boundary of Linglie is ridden on the day. Selkirk Common Riding commemorates how, after the disastrous Battle of Flodden in 1513, from the eighty men that left the town, only one – Fletcher - returned bearing a captured English flag. Legend has it that he cast the flag about his head to indicate that all the other men of Selkirk had been cut down. At the climax of the day the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer and Crafts and Associations Standard Bearers cast their colours in Selkirk's ancient Market Place.

Standard Bearer

The Standard Bearer is picked from the eligible unmarried young men of the town who have applied for the post by the trustees of the Common Riding Trust, successors to the old Selkirk Town Council which disappeared following local government reorganisation in 1974. He will normally have served his time as an Attendant to previous Standard Bearers. He is introduced on Appointment Night,the last Friday in April. He is carried shoulder high round the town, accompanied by bands and the crowds of locals. There follows many civic duties in preparation for the main event, participation in other town common ridings and festivities including Spurs Night where the Standard Bearer and attendants meet with the principals of Galashiels at Galafoot and receive a pair of spurs at a dinner in Galashiels. In 2014, Fiona Deacon became the first female Standard Bearer.[2]

Common Riding week

The Saturday before Common Riding Day is marked with the annual Children's Picnic, where primary schoolchildren have races. Sunday sees the inspection of the Rig, the town racecourse and Show Sunday, recently moved to the grounds of the Haining. Traditionally Souters would meet up in their new finery bought for the festivities and sing songs to the town bands. Other events include the Standard Bearers Dinner on Monday, and Ladies Night on Wednesday when the female population take over the bars and clubs for the evening and only the bravest males venture out! Various bussing concerts and dinners are held for the Crafts and Associations.

Night afore the Morn

On Thursday evening the Senior Burgh Officer takes to the streets to “Cry the Burley”, giving notice to the population that the marches are to be ridden the following day, naming the Burleymen (four ex standard bearers), the Burgh Standard Bearer and his attendants. His trek, accompanied by the bands starts in the West Port, stopping in the Market Place, High Street, Back Row and South Port to read the proclamation, ending with the time honoured phrase “There will be all these, and a great many more, and all be ready to start at the sound of the Second Drum” There follows the Bussing concert for the Incorporations of the Weavers and the Hammermen, in the Victoria Hall. This is followed by an act of remembrance when all available ex-Standard Bearers march to the statue of Fletcher outside the Victoria Hall. A wreath is placed on the statue by the chairman of the ex-Standard Bearers association, and each ex-Standard bearer walks round the statue in order of the year they represented the town, earliest first. (A list of ex standard bearers can be found here.) Then the pubs and clubs get busy with old friendships renewed, and much singing, or it is off to bed in preparation for a full day ahead.

Common Riding Day The day begins before dawn, at 4.00 a.m. Selkirk Flute Band begin march around town, wakening in turn Standard Bearer and Provost. There follows an Act of Remembrance by the Ex-Soldiers at the War Memorial at 05.30. The “First Drum” is struck at Six a.m., the Silver Band play round the town and lead the singing of “Hail Smiling Morn” alternating with the first verse of the hymn “Lead Kindly Light”. The band stops off outside the County hotel for a rendition of Exiles’ Song 'Her Bright Smile' before continuing to the Victoria Halls for 06.30. Meanwhile the riders assemble in the Back Row. At 06.45 there is the Installation of Standard Bearer and Bussin' of Royal Burgh Flag on balcony of Victoria Hall. The procession forms and marches to Market Place awaiting the “Second Drum” at 07.00. The procession moves off 'down the Green' behind the Silver band playing “O’ a’ the airts” and the pipe band, along with the flags of the Incorporations and Guilds on foot. Then follows the Standard Bearer and his attendants and the mounted cavalcade behind.

By 07.30 the riders begin to ford River Ettrick and onwards to Linglie Glen. The cavalcade reaches the summit of the Three Brethren cairns, the highest point of the ride; Here they rest and the Standard Bearer and Attendants sing “Hail Smilin’ Morn” before remounting and continuing the ride.

Back in Selkirk, the foot procession re-forms in Market Place and leaves for Shawburn Toll led by the bands to Shawburn toll for community singing led by bands until the riders return at the gallop. The procession re-forms again and returns to Market Place via Bleachfield Road and High Street to the Market Square for ceremony of the Casting of the Colours; In turn the Royal Burgh Standard Bearer followed by those of the Weavers, Merchants, Fleshers, Colonials, and ex soldiers cast their flags to the tune “Up wi’ the Souters”. The ex soldiers standard is dipped at the end of his/her performance, there follows a Two Minutes Silence to honour the towns War Dead, broken by the Silver band playing the haunting ballad “The Liltin”.

The ceremonial ends with the Return of the Burgh Flag "unsullied and untarnished" by the Standard Bearer to the Provost. After lunch there is horse racing at the Rig, and the ball is held in the Victoria Halls. Saturday ends with “The Games” – gymkhana and professional foot racing at the towns Cricket Club.

Langholm

Langholm's Common Riding ("Langholm's Great Day") attracts a large number of Langholmite exiles and also tourists from all over the world. The Public election for Cornet takes place in May. It comes from the settlement of a legal dispute in the 18th century, which ensured Langholm people certain common rights (e.g. the digging of peat) within set boundaries. Every year, those boundaries must be re-marked to maintain the rights. Over the years, this has become a celebration of the town and its people.

Although not originally ridden to check the boundaries, horses are an extremely important part of the Common Riding and the traditions that have built up around it over the years. Common Riding Day is preceded by 'ride-outs' of horses on the hills around the town, and on the day itself the Cornet and his followers have to be able to ride - and ride well - to gallop up the Kirk Wynd, and get to the Monument (erected in memory of Sir John Malcolm), as part of checking the ancient boundaries.

On Common Riding Day, the last Friday in July, after the Cornet receives the flag, there are three Cryings of the Fair: two outside the Town Hall and one on Whita Hill. The Fair Cryer stands on the back of a horse.

The emblems - Thistle, Spade, Crown and Barley Banna' - are also important. The barley banna is barley bread nailed to a wooden platter, along with a salted herring, with a large (twai-penny) nail.

Common Riding Day is concluded by returning from the Castleholm to the tune of "Auld Lang Syne", dancing polkas on the A7 trunk road, handing back the flag and finally singing of "God Save The Queen."

Lauder

The origins of common riding in Lauder are lost in the mist of time, but it cannot be denied that its pedigree is quite lengthy.

In Lauder the boundaries were marked not by field boundaries but by a number of Cairns. The burgesses rode from cairn to cairn and it fell upon newer or younger men to fill their pockets with stones to place upon each cairn in turn. This practice was abandoned when it was found that the pockets contained not stones but bottles of refreshment to be consumed at each cairn. The Riding of the Marches was nevertheless serious business, the date and time being intimated by Tuck of Drum by the Town Drummer. Failure to attend to the duties could result in a fine, in the early 19th Century this was 5/- for a Burgess.

The ceremony originally was held on Ascension Day, when the lands, crops and affairs of the Burgh were blessed, and the health of the monarch was toasted. Later the date became the King’s Birthday. In this respect it is recorded in the minutes of the Town Council in the early 19th century that the expense of celebrating the King’s Birthday should not exceed £2.10/-.

The riders used to race from the Stirk Hill to the Town Hall, but this proved dangerous to rider and bystander alike and was discontinued after many protest. The day closed with a dinner in the Town Hall. The practice was discontinued for about 70 years but was resuscitated in 1911 to celebrate the Coronation of King George V, and has continued ever since with the exception of the two Wars. The revived Common Riding, which we have today differs very little from the original.

It is not held to commemorate a victory over the English in Battle like other Towns or as a Gala Day. The religious aspect is still observed with the Kirkin’ of the Cornet, at which the Lords Blessing is sought for the weeks events. With a few alterations where land was sold, the Cornet leads his followers round the Marches of the Royal Burgh of Lauder with a halt for refreshments at the Waterin Stane and a Toast to Her Majesty. On leaving the Waterin’ Stane the cavalcade makes for the Burgess Cairn, the only surviving cairn, and places a stone upon it and on return reports no encroachment on Burgh Land.

In recent times “Tom Waldies bridge”, the Waterin’ Stane and the Burgess Cairn have been repaired and improved to ensure the smooth running of the common riding. The Millennium Cairn, at the top of the Whiteknowe End, was erected to commemorate regaining the Burgh Charter of 1502.[3]

Jedburgh

Jethart callant's festival was founded when, on 7 February 1947, a Committee named the Border Games Festival Committee called a meeting to discuss further the formation of a Pageant.

Judge Jack presided and those present were Messrs: A Cairncross; D Thomson; T K Middlemist; T Dryburgh; W Henderson; A Fairbairn; J Hewie; Councillors JHL Hope, J Elliot, J Dryden; also present were A O Clarkson (Acting Hon. Secretary) and D J Cochrane (Hon. Treasurer). Office bearers were elected, and a programme for the pageant was adopted.

Jedburgh Callants Festival lasts two weeks, with ceremonial rides to places of historic interest. The most important ride is to Redeswire, close by Carter Bar, the site of a battle in 1575 when the timely arrival of the Jedburgh contingent with their cry "Jethart‘s here" turned an apparent defeat of the men from Liddesdale into a rout of the English.

The Callant, the young man leading the festival proceedings leads the mounted cavalcade to Ferniehurst Castle, halts for a ceremony at the Capon Tree, survivor of the ancient Jed Forest, and returns to the town for the final ceremony at the War Memorial.

Saturday commences with the firing of a cannon and a race around the town, followed by the Jedburgh Border Games, which date from 1853.

West Linton

Common Ridings in West Linton are led by the Whipman, the old Scots word for carter or carrier. In 1803 after the annual meeting of the Whipmen Benevolent Society, the committee paid formal visits to local mansions. The rest of the day, one of the few holidays of the year at the time, was devoted to sporting activities, a gathering which was styled “The Whipman Play”. The ceremony has continued since, unbroken except by two wars, revived in 1949.[1]

The Linton Whipman is installed and invested with his sash of office on the Friday evening, and leads a mounted procession through the village. Saturday begins with a rideout and there follows a week long programme of activities of sports, competitions, barbecue and bonfire.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Commons Ridings". Visit Scottish Borders. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  2. "Selkirk Common Riding has first female standard bearer". The BBC. Retrieved 16 September 2014.
  3. Bill Hardie: First published 1992, updated 2009

External links

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