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 ( See Common Riding Ride-Guide )
The annual Common Ridings attract people from all over the world to the Scottish Borders and are an inescapable part of the Borders' culture. These unique, spectacular, riding festivals steeped in tradition, reach out to people in different ways. The only way to understand them is to take part. Everyone who attends a Common Riding is 'taking part' in his or her own way - so being a by-stander is not really an option!
All of the main towns in the Borders have a 'common riding' - or something similar but each one has its own unique spirit and specific traditions. Typically, a 'Standard Bearer' or other named representative, i.e. Braw Lad, Cornet etc. is selected from the young men of the town, mounts his horse and leads a massive procession of mounted and foot followers through the town. He proudly carries the town flag - a huge and weighty 'standard' creating a marvellous spectacle. He then leads his cavalcade of riders out of the town into the hills and around the town's ancient boundaries re-enacting the age old ritual of 'riding the marches.'
These festivals certainly offer a truly thrilling riding experience. Galloping across the hills at the crack of dawn in the company of around 300 to 400 fellow riders sets the heart alight and does more than just raise the spirits.
There are many moving moments too though in these festivals, where poignant speeches are made, memorials are visited and special honours conveyed. Visitors are always welcome to join the thousands of people singing the traditional Common Riding songs, either in the streets or at the many special concerts that form part of these celebrations. Bands play, people dance and in general there is much 'good will' to be had!
To the uninitiated, at first encounter, these Common Ridings may appear to be light hearted riding pageants. Scratch beneath the surface however and you'll find yourself part of a culture with roots going back to the mists of time. There's no doubt that these unique festivals have been influenced by a number of factors over the centuries; their essence however endures.
The Border Common Ridings are all about belonging. They are about surviving. They are about remembering our ancestors and our families. They are also about the legacy Borderers leave to their children and their children's children.
2009 marks a very special year - Homecoming Scotland 2009. One of our Borders' initiatives is 'Return to the Ridings.' We are inviting relatives and friends of local families to 'return to the ridings' from wherever in the world they live. Everyone can take part in our Common Ridings and if you have the experience and are interested in joining us please click here for the 'Rideborders Ride-Guide' inside information on all the rides straight from the horse's mouth!
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