Homecoming in the Scottish Borders
Homecoming Scotland 2009, which marks the 250th anniversary of Scotland’s national poet and international cultural icon Robert Burns, is a major tourism initiative developed by the Scottish Government aiming to encourage the international Scottish Diaspora to visit the land of their heritage. Events which were successful in their bids included three events from the Scottish Borders, the “Return to the Ridings”, “In the Footsteps of the Reivers”, and the “Clan Scott Gathering”. They also join our partner events and a host of spectacular local events in the Scottish Borders to celebrate the culture, tradition and history of our region.
Return to the Ridings
The “Return to the Ridings” is a celebration of the riding of the boundries that has taken place for centuries, in total 11 towns in the Scottish Borders use horses for the traditional ride out and the festivals that surround these ride outs are also steeped in tradition and a celebration of borders history
Common Ridings can be traced back to the 13th and 14th centuries when the border lands were in constant upheaval during the long wars with England and because of the tribal custom of plunder and cattle thieving, known as reiving (the ancient word for robbing) that was commonplace amongst the major Borders families. In such lawless times, townspeople would ride their boundaries, or 'marches', to protect their common lands and prevent encroachment by neighbouring landlords. Long after they ceased to be essential, the ridings continued in commemoration of local legend, history and tradition.
Archive pictures courtesy of the “Heritage hub”, Hawick
Archive pictures courtesy of the “Heritage hub”, Hawick
The Ridings Today
Today, each Borders town celebrates its history once a year during June - August with magnificent rideouts involving hundreds of horses, ridden with a passion worthy of the reivers old.
Community spirit is symbolised by the Burgh Flag or Standard, which in a colourful ceremony is 'bussed' where ribbons are tied to the staff by the principal lass, recalling the days when a knight's lady attached her ribbon to his lance before battle. The principal men are elected annually and honoured with such titles as Standard Bearer (Selkirk), Cornet (Hawick), Callant (Jedburgh), Braw Lad (Galashiels), Reiver (Duns), Whipman (West Linton), Melrosian (Melrose), Coldstreamer (Coldstream) and Kelso Laddie. On horseback they lead their followers in the festivities
See individual sections for each towns history, weeks events and gallery pages
Community spirit is symbolised by the Burgh Flag or Standard, which in a colourful ceremony is 'bussed' where ribbons are tied to the staff by the principal lass, recalling the days when a knight's lady attached her ribbon to his lance before battle. The principal men are elected annually and honoured with such titles as Standard Bearer (Selkirk), Cornet (Hawick), Callant (Jedburgh), Braw Lad (Galashiels), Reiver (Duns), Whipman (West Linton), Melrosian (Melrose), Coldstreamer (Coldstream) and Kelso Laddie. On horseback they lead their followers in the festivities
See individual sections for each towns history, weeks events and gallery pages
Dates for Common Ridings and Festivals 2009
1-6 June Hawick Common Riding
5-13th June West Linton Whipman
8-13 June Selkirk Common Riding
14-20 June Peebles Beltane
14-20 June Melrose Festival
19-28 June Galashiels Braw Lads Gathering
27 June - 10th July Jethart Callants Festival
5-11 July Duns Summer Festival
13-18 July Kelso Civic Week
26 Jul-1 Aug Lauder Common Riding
2-8 August Coldstream Civic Week
Other Common Ridings and Festivals
Earlston Civic Week 5-12 July
Lanark Lanimer Day 11 June
Yetholm Festival 14-20 June, (ride- out 17th)
St Ronan’s Border Games Fair (Innerleithen) 9-18 July
Eyemouth Herring Queen 11-19th July
Musselburgh Festival 19-25 July
Langholm Common Riding 31 July 2009
Edinburgh Riding of the Marches 6 September
To view the ecard produced by each town use this link www.homecomingscotland2009.com/ecards/default.html
To view the ecard produced by each town use this link www.homecomingscotland2009.com/ecards/default.html
Footsteps of the Reivers
The “Footsteps of the Reivers” (5-13 September 09) combines the very successful Scottish Borders Festival of Walking with the colourful history of the Border Reivers. A special programme of themed walks, story-telling, music and feasting will appeal to those fascinated by the colourful history of the Border Reivers and the ancestral history of the Scottish Borders. The event will take place between the two towns of Hawick and Jedburgh and a series of events and activities will take place during the day and the evening for all ages.
This event is not to be missed and will be of particular interest to all those with Borders Reiving names including Armstrong, Bateson, Bell, Crosier, Elliot, Glendinning, Graham, Henderson, Hume, Irvine, Johnstone, Ker, Maxwell, Nixon, Pringle, Routledge, Scott or Thomson are all set to follow ‘In the Footsteps’ of their Reivers ancestry.
Clan Scott Gathering
The Clan Scott Gathering (25- 28 September 09) is the very first gathering of the Clan Scott at its ancestral home, Bowhill. The Duke of Buccleuch will be in attendance as the Clan Chief for a four day programme of events and activities. Traditional music and food opens proceedings with the best of Border hospitality. Experience an historical re-enactment of the Carterhaugh Ba’ Game, displays of archery & horsemanship and prepare to be dazzled by ceremonial parades. For quieter moments enjoy a performance of “The Ragged Lion”, a play about Sir Walter Scott performed by the renowned Rowan Tree Theatre Company. The weekend will end as it began, with music and feasting, as an ox roast BBQ is served.
Partner events
Kings of the Sevens Jan- Nov.
Contact: Alistair Forsyth 07919405956
The Border League is the oldest Rugby competition in the world, each year the senior clubs in the area play for the title of Border League Champions. As part of the evolving culture of rugby in the Borders, the abbreviated form of the game seven-a-side was born in the town of Melrose, soon other Border clubs took up the challenge and started their own tournaments, thus another Border way of life was created. Several years ago the Border League challenged itself to increase the awareness of the “sevens” game, and the “Kings of the Sevens” championship series was formed, where teams competing at individual tournaments gained points which culminated in a team being crowned “Kings of the Sevens”. Each individual club promotes its own tournament, but all are equally proud to be part of the overall competition.
Hawick Reivers Festival 27-29 March www.hawickreivers.com
From 27th to 29th March 2009, join the people of Hawick in honouring their Reiver ancestors and experience life as it really was in 16th century Scotland!
Through drama, music, song and re-enactments we strive to bring to life this very important period in Borders History.
From small beginnings Hawick Reivers Festival has grown to span a full weekend and offers something for all the family.
Hawick is at the centre of Reivers Country and is extremely proud of its history.
On Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday there is a full programme of activities both indoors and out which allows visitors to experience aspects of 16th century life - good and bad!
Always a highlight of the Festival is the torchlight procession along the banks of the River Teviot followed by a spectacular fireworks display
In 2009 we intend to extend the outdoor activities on Sunday with displays of archery, birds of prey and re-enactments including horsemanship.
Our festival is very much a community event but is open and welcoming to visitors from throughout the world
Visit our website www.hawickreivers.com – then visit us!
Hawick is at the centre of Reivers Country and is extremely proud of its history.
On Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday there is a full programme of activities both indoors and out which allows visitors to experience aspects of 16th century life - good and bad!
Always a highlight of the Festival is the torchlight procession along the banks of the River Teviot followed by a spectacular fireworks display
In 2009 we intend to extend the outdoor activities on Sunday with displays of archery, birds of prey and re-enactments including horsemanship.
Our festival is very much a community event but is open and welcoming to visitors from throughout the world
Visit our website www.hawickreivers.com – then visit us!
Festival of the Horse 15-26 May: Border wide. www.bordersfestivalhorse.org
Border wide.The sound of hoof beats will be heard all over the Scottish Borders, heralding the start of the 8th Borders Festival of the Horse from 15th-26th May 2009.All aspects of equestrianism are covered in this unique Festival with 40 events taking place over 12 days throughout the Borders area both for horse riders and spectators. There are 'try-your-hand' events, an art exhibition, stable visits, demonstrations and much, much more to enjoy with or without a horse.. The Festival also promotes Kelso Races and Floors Castle Horse Trials. Exhilarating guided rides take place nearly everyday and warn hospitality can be enjoyed at the comfortable Horses Welcome B&Bs. www.horseswelcome.org Horses may be hired locally. The Scottish Borders is renowned for having some of the best horse riding country in Britain Tracks once used by the marauding and pillaging reivers for stealing cattle, today provide peaceful ways for exploring the rolling countryside on horseback and also by cycling and walking. This year's theme for the guided rides will be around the origins of those Borderers who have gone away and made a name for themselves in the wider world. Mungo Park and Sir Walter Scott being just 2 of these. Further details of the programme can be found at www.bordersfestivalhorse.org
Traquair medieval Fayre 23-24 May, Innerleithen.
Contact: enquiries@traquair.co.uk
Contact: enquiries@traquair.co.uk
Be transported back to an age of chivalry, pageantry and romance at the Traquair Medieval Fayre.
Held in the grounds of Scotland's oldest inhabited house and home of the Stuart family for over 500 years this authentic fayre will enlighten, educate and entertain you whatever your age.
In the old walled garden there will be living history displays, shows from jesters and minstrels and a chance to try your hand at archery, green wood turning, stone carving or chain mail making. For children make your own swords and shields and take part in some sword instruction.
On the spectacular grassed avenue leading down to the house you can witness the arrival of James IV with his royal entourage and the wealth of entertainment put on for the king in a superb display of falconry, combat and a competition to become the king's champion.
In the house itself there will be recitals of early music and demonstrations of book binding, calligraphy and lacemaking. And after all that you may feel in need of a pint of Ye Olde Fayre Ale brewed on the premises by the world famous Traquair House Brewery.
Borders Book Festival 18-21 June: Harmony Gardens, Melrose: www.bordersbookfestival.org
Ticket hotline: 0844 357 1060
Ticket hotline: 0844 357 1060
Add over 40 world-class events with some of today’s finest writers, one of the most stunning backdrops in Scotland and you have all the ingredients for the perfect book festival.
The Borders Book Festival in Melrose is rated as one of the UK’s top literature festivals, and previous guest authors include Michael Palin, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, Michael Morpurgo, Rory Bremner and many others. And 2009 promises to be the best year yet! During 18 – 21 June, over 6,000 festival-goers will enjoy 4 memorable days of drama and insight, truth and laughter and much more when a host of dazzling authors talk on an array of fascinating subjects. Highlights include a lively children’s festival, the Scottish Arts Council Book Awards, and a great deal more. Whatever your taste or interests, the Borders Book Festival is unmissable – a place where words come alive!
Local events
March
Rowan Tree Theatre - The lassies O, 14 March followed by 3 week tour of the Borders.
Contact: rowantree@aikwood.dsl.pipex.com T: 01750 52253
Writer (Janet Paisley), director (Gerry Mulgrew) and actor (Gerda Stevenson) take part in this production about the women In Robert Burn's life.
April
Kelso Races 6 April Buccleuch Cup Day.
Contact: info@kelso-races.co.uk
May
Eildon singers. Bonny Kilmeny
Words James Hogg, Music Hamish McCunn
10 May Melrose Parish Church, 7.30pm.
Contact: katefish@thebarge.freeserve.co.uk
Border Gaitherin 29-31 May, Coldstream.
Contact: Sandy Watson Sandy.Watson@scotent.co.uk
June
Common Ridings and festivals see main calendar
Merse Singers 11- 14 June
Hutton Village Hall and Church
Mike Lowry (Chairman) T: 01289 386798; John Ward (Conductor), T: 01890 817186
www.mersesingers.org.uk
The Merse Singers invite singers to join them for a uniqueevent in the Scottish borders celebrating Scottish baroque music. The concert on 14 June will be preceded by achoral tutorial course led by professional vocalists and the concert itself will feature an orchestra playing authentic baroque instruments
July
Newcastleton Music Festival Date tbc:
Contact ntmfsecretary@googlemail.com
Summer Summer Festival of Chamber music 17-26 July
Paxton House. Contact: T: 01289 386 291
Elliot Gathering 22-24 July, Newcastleton:
Contact: Margaret Elliot webmaster@elliotclan.com (Open to Elliot's only)
Turnbull Gathering 18th July
Contact: George Turnbull T: 01450374738
martinshouse@btconnect.com (all welcome)
August
Innerleithen Music Festival 14-16 August various venues.
Contact: imfpublicity@aol.com
Melrose Pipeband and Highland Dance Championships 22 August
Gibson Park Melrose.
Contact Ian Graham. T: 01896 820 388
Borderevents present ‘An Afternoon & Evening of Musical Entertainment for All' Saturday 29th August 2009
Kelso Racecourse. 01750 725480 or email info@borderevents.com
September
Land of Reviers "A Reivers Moon" 6-11 Sept
Hawick Town Hall
Contact: celliotwalker@aol.com
St James' Fair 5/6 September
Kelso.
Contact: Trevor Black info@stjamesfair.co.uk
Doors Open Day
Contact: 01835 825 066
Rowan Tree Theatre The Ragged Lion w/c 21st September.
Contact rowantree@aikwood.dsl.pipex.com T: 01750 52253
October
Denholm Folk Festival 30th October - 1st November
contact: info@denholmfolkfest.co.uk
November
Denholm Folk Festival (see above)
If you require any more information on any of the above events, please contact kpearson@scotborders.gov.uk or T: 01835 825 060 and ask for Kate Pearson Or visit ay of the following: www.homecomingscotland2009.com/scottishborders
www.returntotheridings.co.uk
www.ourscottishborders.com
