Common Ridings date back to the 13th and 14th centuries when 11 Scottish bordering towns were forced to ride in groups along the boundaries to protect themselves from English invaders. Though in the long run, the Englishmen and Scotsmen managed to find peace and establish friendly relationships, the centuries-old tradition has been preserved as an integral part of local culture.
Today's tradition, which sometimes involves up to a hundred horses, includes competitions in traditional sports, horseback riding, barbecues, live music, and celebrations with traditional drinks. But an outstanding custom is the "chase" with horses galloping through the city streets. So, Common Ridings like Hawick Common Riding or Selkirk Common Riding still take place during the civic weeks between early June and early August.
Common Ridings Dates
In 2024, Hawick Common Riding will take place from May 8 to June 8. The 8th Celebration will begin with Picking Night on May 8. Thursday Night Chase takes place on May 30, Kirking Sunday on June 2, and Common Riding Thursday on June 6. Common Riding will also take place on the following two days.
Before going, you should check the details on your own, but here we offer some general information on locations and corresponding timing.
Peebles and Melrose: the third full week in June; Galashiels: the end of June, sometimes the first weekend in July; Duns: the first full week in July; Jedburgh: the second Saturday in July; Kelso: mid-July; Langholm: the last Friday in July; Lauder: the first Saturday of August; Coldstream: the first full week in August. Annan: the first Saturday in July. Langholm: the last Friday of July.
